Inhalacijski kortikosteroidi (ICS) prva su linija terapije u liječenju kronične astme. Njihovo djelovanje na različite sastavnice procesa upale pridonosi smanjenju pojave simptoma, smanjenju hiperreaktivnosti dišnih putova, smanjenju potrebe za primjenom sistemskih kortikosteroida i bolničkog liječenja, poboljšava plućnu funkciju te unapređuje kontrolu bolesti i kvalitetu života. Inhalacijski kortikosteroidi jedini su osnovni lijekovi koji smanjuju smrtnost od astme. Najdjelotvorniji su lijekovi trenutačno raspoloživi u liječenju astme. Brojne studije potvrđuju njihov dugotrajni učinak u kontroli astme u djece i odraslih. ICS se razlikuju po svojim farmakokinetskim i farmakodinamskim karakteristikama te po jakosti. Klinička dobrobit ovih pripravaka uvelike nadilazi rizik od njihovih nuspojava. Potrebni su redoviti kontrolni pregledi za ranu detekciju eventualnih nuspojava.Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the first line treatment in chronic asthma. The broad action of ICSs on the inflammatory process may account for their efficacy. Their clinical effects include reduction in severity of symptoms, diminished airway hyperresponsiveness, prevention of exacerbations, reduction in systemic corticosteroid courses and hospitalizations, and improvement in lung function tests, asthma control and quality of life. The ICSs are the only long-term controllers associated with a reduction in the risk of dying from asthma. They are the most effective drugs currently available in asthma treatment. Numerous studies proved their long lasting effects in asthma control in adults and children. Inhaled glucocorticoids manifest different pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics as well as potency. The clinical benefits of these agents by far surpass their side effects. Clinical follow- up is essential for the early detection of side effects
