Controversies in Allergy: Should I Combine an ICS With a SABA or With Formoterol for Reliever Therapy?
Recommended Citation
Finkel KA, Patadia R, Baptist AP, and Cardet JC. Controversies in Allergy: Should I Combine an ICS with a SABA or with Formoterol for Reliever Therapy? J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2025.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-16-2025
Publication Title
J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract
Abstract
Multiple approaches with inhaler therapies can be utilized when treating asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) reduce airway inflammation while bronchodilators relax airway smooth muscle. Anti-inflammatory reliever (AIR) therapy combines an ICS with quick-onset bronchodilators for use as a rescue therapy. Several AIR strategies have demonstrated efficacy in reducing asthma exacerbations. There are currently two inhalers that combine an ICS with a quick onset bronchodilator into a single inhaler: one which combines an ICS with short-acting beta(2)-agonist (ICS-SABA) and one which combines an ICS with the long-acting beta(2)-agonist formoterol (ICS-formoterol). Alternatively, AIR therapy can be provided with the ICS and the SABA in two separate inhalers. The provider may come across challenges when choosing a specific therapy best suited for each patient, including insurance and regulatory issues. This article reviews the literature on AIR therapy in adult and pediatric populations with asthma along with implementation considerations when choosing a specific AIR strategy.
PubMed ID
40250558
ePublication
ePub ahead of print
