The inflammatory response in asthma
Rachelefsky, G.S.
American Family Physician 45(1): 153-160
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-838X PMID: 1728086 Document Number: 390616
Asthma is remarkably underdiagnosed and undertreated. While the clinical hallmark of asthma is reversible airflow obstruction, airway inflammation is the major pathologic feature. Studies have linked airway hyperresponsiveness, the basic physiologic defect in asthma, with airway inflammation, even in patients who have mild asthma. Management is directed toward treating the underlying disease process with anti-inflammatory therapy and alleviating breakthrough symptoms with bronchodilators.