Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the respiratory system that is
characterized by easily triggered bronchospasms and reversible airflow
obstruction. Bronchospasm is a sudden narrowing of the muscles of the
walls of bronchioles. A few of the symptoms of asthma are episodes of
coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. It is
caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
Environmental factors may include exposure to allergens or air
pollution. Some medications such as beta blockers and aspirin can also
trigger asthma. Its diagnosis is based on the response to therapy over
time, pattern of symptoms and spirometry lung functioning test. Asthma
can also be classified as atopic and non-atopic. This book provides
significant information of this discipline to help develop a good
understanding of asthma. It is compiled in such a manner, that it will
provide in-depth knowledge about the clinical aspects of asthma.
Researchers and students in this field will be assisted by this book.