title: Pathophysiology and management of severe asthma.
abstract: Severe asthma is characterized by marked airway obstruction caused by mucus plugging, airway edema and inflammation, and contractions of airway smooth muscle. This leads to a complex series of pathophysiologic events that can be reversed with vigorous treatment given for a sufficient period of time. Standard treatment includes not only bronchodilating agents and corticosteroids but in some instances mechanical ventilation.
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D001980:Bronchi / Q000503:physiopathology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D005100:Expectorants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007384:Intermittent Positive-Pressure Breathing; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000503:physiopathology; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D013806:Theophylline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D005100:Expectorants; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D013806:Theophylline