Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lungs and bronchioles. Asthma pathophysiology is characterized by airway inflammation, increased mucous production, airway edema or swelling, and bronchospasm. The cause of asthma is multifactorial and results from an interaction of genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures. Children [Page 164]who have one parent with asthma and have a tendency to be allergic are more likely to develop asthma. Some children only wheeze with respiratory infections and are classified as intermittent. Others who wheeze with and in between respiratory infections are classified as persistent. Treatment for persistent asthma is targeted at controlling inflammation with inhaled corticosteroids and reducing exposure to asthma triggers. This entry discusses asthma etiology, symptoms, triggers, and treatment.