From ICS to inhalers to MART/AIR – what makes a difference?

Asthma is a heterogeneous, multifactorial, chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, which is usually characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness and/or variable airway obstruction and can manifest itself clinically through respiratory symptoms (shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing) of varying intensity and frequency. The pathophysiology of asthma is very complex and therapy has changed fundamentally in recent decades. In this article, we discuss the importance of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and a paradigm shift in therapy.