Is there a role for intermittent use of long-acting β2-agonists in childhood asthma?

The addition of long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) to inhaled corticosteroid for the treatment of asthma in children over 5 years of age is highly beneficial in the short term at improving lung function and day-to-day symptoms. Unfortunately, the effect wanes with time in some children. In addition, some children may still experience severe exacerbations while on LABAs. It is therefore important to ensure that these children are receiving adequate doses of inhaled corticosteroid before consideration be given to stopping LABA therapy. Further research is required in order to determine whether the rapid onset of action observed in formoterol therapy can be beneficially used in a combination single inhaler for both reliever and maintenance therapy.