Bronchial asthma: Pharmaceutical considerations in the pharmacological management of allergic asthma

Bronchial asthma is one of the most common lung conditions worldwide. In children and adolescents, it is the most common chronic condition of all. Asthma is characterised by the occurrence of asthma attacks involving wheezing, shortness of breath, a feeling of tightness in the chest and coughing. The severity, frequency and duration of asthma attacks vary and differ from person to person. Whilst there is no complete cure for asthma, it is certainly possible to live symptom-free. Through various treatment options, which can be tailored to the individual, asthma can be managed, enabling most sufferers to lead a largely unrestricted daily life. The beginning of this book describes the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory tract. Following a brief overview of the different forms of asthma and diagnostic procedures, the pathogenesis of allergic bronchial asthma is explained in detail. This covers the immunological and inflammatory processes, as well as the cells and mediators involved. The main focus is on drug therapy and individual groups of active substances.