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Further Product Information

CONTENTS

Summary
Introduction
Symptoms
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology
Aetiology
Diagnosis
Treatment of asthma
Socioeconomic impact
Key points
References

SUMMARY

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways associated with airway hyper-responsiveness, reversible airflow limitation and other respiratory problems. Characteristically, the symptoms of asthma are variable in nature and worsen at night or following exposure to recognised triggers. In this manner, asthma is distinguished from other respiratory disorders. Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, affecting between 100 and 150 million people - thus it imposes a substantial economic burden on healthcare resources. For the individual, asthma can impact greatly on quality of life through the periodic limitation of everyday activities. The causes of asthma are multifactorial and many relate to an inherited predisposition. Environmental factors, including animal allergens, tobacco smoke and air pollution, may aggravate the condition. There is no current cure for asthma, and once established, no intervention can prevent the natural course of disease development, although steroidal agents may slow the rate of progression. In general, available treatments provide symptomatic relief of varying degrees and may reduce the frequency of exacerbations, but do not address the underlying cause of disease.

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