βοΈ Theophylline: A budget option for asthma care
Despite advanced asthma treatments, access to effective controller therapy is tough in low-income countries due to cost and availability issues. Low-dose sustained-release theophylline shows promise as a pragmatic alternative with anti-inflammatory effects, not just as a bronchodilator. Clinical studies confirm it improves symptom control and reduces rescue medication use at lower serum levels. Furthermore, its oral administration can boost adherence and costs are much lower than steroid regimens. Therefore, its role as an adjunct in select low-resource settings needs serious reconsideration. π₯