Asthma overview

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Editor(s)-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Philip Marcus, M.D., M.P.H. [2]

Overview

Approximately 5% of the population have been diagnosed with asthma and affects one in four urban children. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by a hyper-responsive airway and a resultant reversible airway obstruction. Asthmatics, as a response to one or more triggers develop intermittent airway constriction and subsequent inflammation that is lined with excessive amounts of mucus. Environmental stimulants such as dust, cold air, mold, pollen and exercise or stress can trigger an asthmatic episode; however, in children, viral illness such as common cold remains the most common trigger. The classic symptoms include prolong expiratory wheeze, cough and shortness of breath secondary to airway obstruction that promptly responds to bronchodilator therapy. Between episodes, most patients remain asymptomatic or have mild symptoms and may remain short of breath for longer periods after exercise. A positive bronchodilator response is strongly suggestive of asthma. Short-acting beta-2 agonist, inhaled anti-cholinergics and systemic steroids may be used for immediate symptomatic relief; however, long-term symptom control may be achieved with long-acting beta-2 agonists, mast cell stabilizers, leukotriene inhibitors and/or steroids.