Pathogenesis of asthma: therapeutic implications.
The current knowledge of asthma, specifically an appreciation of the contributing mechanisms leading to its development as well as its clinical features, has increased vastly in recent years. A better understanding of asthma's inflammatory nature has resulted in wider use of antiinflammatory agents. Specific effects of available antiasthma medications have been better elucidated, thereby helping to focus the development of newer drugs and improve the use of currently available therapeutic agents. The purpose of this article is to further understanding of asthma by providing the pathologic and physiologic basis of this disease. This is vitally important information as it is shaping the directions of the therapeutic approach to asthma care.
Hill
M R
MR
Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Denver, CO 80206.
Kamada
A K
AK
D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor / Q000009:adverse effects
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor