title: Current concepts in asthma therapy.
abstract: Attacks of asthma can be precipitated in susceptible individuals by a variety of stimuli acting through immunological or non-immunological pathways. The pathological changes in the lung which characterize asthma include bronchoconstriction, mucosal oedema and tenacious secretions. A logical approach to therapy is outlined, based on intervention at successive sites along the trigger-to-target organ response pathway.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000336:Aerosols; D000485:Allergens; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001286:Atropine Derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000336:Aerosols; D000485:Allergens; D001286:Atropine Derivatives; D013566:Sympathomimetics; D013806:Theophylline; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium