What is Asthma?

Asthma is a very complex disease that is known for it different and recurring symptoms such as coughing and wheezing , airflow obstruction , and very responsive and swollen airways. According to the EPR-3 Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (2007) , the working definition of asthma is as follows:

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways in which many cells and cellular elements play a role: in particular , mast cells , eosinophils , neutrophils (especially in sudden onset , fatal exacerbations , occupational asthma , and patients who smoke T lymphocytes , macrophages , and epithelial cells. In susceptible individuals , this inflammation causes recurrent episodes of coughing (particularly at night or early in the morning) , wheezing , breathlessness , and chest tightness. These episodes are usually associated with widespread but variable airflow obstruction that is often reversible either spontaneously or with treatment.

Insert Figure 1 Here: The Interplay and Interaction between Airway Inflammation and the Clinical Symptoms and Pathophysiology of Asthma

If Asthma is not properly treated , then airway remodeling may occur. Airway remodeling is the incomplete reversibility after an asthma episode in some patients. For more information about airway remodeling , click here.

Causes of Asthma

According to recent and ongoing research , the development of asthma seems to involve numerous factors that can impact the course of the disease. These factors include:

• Immunity : Certain studies suggest that children who are exposed to other children , enrolled in childcare , and lived in the country have a lower-incidence of asthma. This is called the “hygiene hypothesis”.

• Genetics : Asthma is inheritable , but more study is needed.

• Environmental Factors : Allergens , respiratory infections and colds , tobacco smoke , air pollution , and diet may play a part in asthma development , but study is still ongoing.

For more information about the new EPR-3 Guidelines, click here.