[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.