Asthma: Clinical Diagnosis and Therapeutics

A common pulmonary condition associated with the chronic inflammation of respiratory tubes, tightening of respiratory smooth muscle and episodes of bronchoconstriction is known as asthma. Its symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing. Asthma can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is usually diagnosed on the basis of one's pattern of symptoms. Quick-relief medications such as Beta2-adrenergic agonists, anticholinergic medications and selective adrenergic agonists are used to treat acute cases of asthma. Long-term medications include leukotriene receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, mast cell stabilizers, etc. The various advances in the treatment of asthma are glanced at in this book and their applications and ramifications are looked at in detail. Most of the topics introduced herein cover new techniques of diagnosing and managing this condition. Students, researchers and doctors will benefit alike from this book.