Asthma – Current Trends and Management Perspectives

Abstract

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways in which several cells and cellular elements play an important role, the hallmark of which is airway hyperresponsiveness, or an exaggerated response (bronchoconstriction) on exposure to certain triggers such as allergens and/or respiratory infections and others. The airway inflammation and obstruction are usually reversible but manifest clinically as acute episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, cough, or chest tightness, that occur particularly at night or early in the morning. Exacerbations and comorbidities affect disease severity as well as impact treatment success in many patients. Therapies are directed toward controlling airway inflammation and relieving airway obstruction.