RESUMEN
Medications for management of asthma in pediatrics include both relieves and controllers. Controllers are medications taken daily on a long term basis to achieve and maintain control of asthma. Theophylline has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and bronchoprotective effects that contribute to its efficacy as preventive therapy for chronic asthma. The present study aimed to evaluate the pattern of prophylactic asthma medications used in asthmatic children in Fawzy Moaz allergy, Ministry of health, Alexandria and to spotlight on the role of long acting theophylline in the chronic management of asthma. In the present study, most cases of mild persistent asthma [96.2%], received long acting theophylline only for prophylaxis. In patient with moderate persistent asthma, [67.8%] were on low dose inhaled steroid and long acting theophylline while, [32.2%] were receiving moderate dose inhaled steroid only as a prophylactic therapy. Throughout the follow up period, the frequency of exacerbation was reduced to less than once month in 96.1%, 94% of asthmatics receiving long acting theophylline only and inhaled steroid only respectively with no statistically significant difference. Regarding asthmatic children who required shifting up in prophylactic therapy, 21.1% and 31.6% of those on long acting theophylline only and inhaled steroid only respectively required stepping up in prophylactic medications