Bashir Ahmed1, Syed Nesar Ahmed2, Bulbul Parveen2, Md. Khairul Hassan Jessy1, Mohammed Shahedur Rahman Khan1

Abstract
The optimum treatment of asthma is directed to the proper management of both the asthma components,
inflammation and bronchial obstruction. The aim is to relieve the acute symptoms and prevent further
exacerbations. When asthma is not optimally controlled on low dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and
short acting β2 agonists (SABAs) ‘as per need’, the next step is to add long acting β2 agonists (LABAs) for
regular use. Given the fast onset of action with the LABA, formoterol, the combined use of ICS and
formoterol can provide both the quick control of symptoms like SABA and long term effect including
reduction of future exacerbations.
Keywords: Asthma, Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), Long acting β2 agonists (LABAs), Single Maintenance
And Reliever Therapy (SMART)

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