Asthma: An Issue of Clinics in Chest Medicine

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.