Effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
BACKGROUND
Asthma is recognised as a condition with variable airway obstruction with pathophysiological features that include activation of a wide range of inflammatory and structural cells. Additionally, structural changes in the airways have been demonstrated. This includes increased thickening of components in the basement membrane region, increased smooth muscle mass, increased vascularisation and many other events that is often referred to as remodelling of the airways. These processes and the underlying mechanisms have attracted considerable attention.


RESULTS
This review describes the different interventive approaches that have been tried in order to improve asthma control and affect the underlying pathophysiological pathways. These include elimination of harmful environmental and occupational exposures, a wide range of pharmacological agents as well as bronchial thermoplasty. The existing evidence for effects on airway inflammation and airway remodelling is discussed in relationship to mechanistic aspects and short- and long-term outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
It is expected that modulation of the asthmatic airway remodelling will become an even more important endpoint in the near future.
Sandström
Thomas
T
Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Division of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. thomas.sandstrom@lung.umu.se
D056151:Airway Remodeling; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents