[Prophylactic treatment of asthma].

Objective: To review basic concepts, inhalation therapy, classification of asthma and peculiarities of asthma in developing countries.
Sources: Direct search in the Medline, HighWire and MD Consult databases.
Summary of the Findings: Inhaled corticosteroids are the drugs of choice for the treatment of asthma. Alternatively, other drugs, such as long-acting beta-agonists and antileukotrienes could be considered.
Conclusions: At an individual level, asthma treatment presents a satisfactory outcome. However, the great challenge for public health professionals and authorities is to provide treatment for asthmatic patients from low-income families living in developing countries.