Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 4, 2010

Childhood asthma: causes, epidemiological factors and complications

D J Valacer1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics,The New York Weill Cornell Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, NY 10021, USA.

Drugs
|March 31, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Childhood asthma is a growing global health concern. New understanding of asthma

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric respiratory medicine
  • Immunology and inflammation

Background:

  • Childhood asthma prevalence is increasing globally, posing a significant public health challenge.
  • The exact reasons for this rise and the true extent of the increase are not fully understood.
  • Asthma is recognized as a chronic inflammatory condition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the increasing prevalence and impact of childhood asthma.
  • To discuss the evolving understanding of asthma pathophysiology.
  • To introduce the role of antileukotriene agents in managing pediatric asthma.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current knowledge on asthma pathophysiology.
  • Discussion of inflammatory mediators, particularly leukotrienes.
  • Exploration of the development and potential of antileukotriene therapies.

Main Results:

  • Leukotrienes are identified as key mediators in asthma's inflammatory processes.
  • Advances in understanding pathophysiology have led to new therapeutic strategies.
  • Antileukotriene agents represent a promising class of drugs for asthma management.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood asthma is a major and increasing worldwide health issue.
  • Understanding asthma as a chronic inflammatory disease is crucial.
  • Antileukotriene agents are expected to become increasingly important in treating childhood asthma.

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing13:28

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing

Published on: December 17, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...