Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Therapeutic targets for persistent airway inflammation in refractory asthma
Patrick Murphy1, Tobias Hillman, Karalasingam Rajakulasingam
1Department of Respiratory Medicine/Allergy, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|January 16, 2010
Summary
Managing refractory asthma is challenging due to persistent airway inflammation. Current treatments are insufficient, highlighting the need for novel therapies targeting inflammatory pathways to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Refractory asthma presents a significant clinical challenge, leading to high patient morbidity and healthcare costs.
- Persistent airway inflammation is a key factor in treatment failure for patients with refractory asthma.
- Measuring systemic and local inflammation markers is crucial for effective therapeutic targeting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review established and novel treatments for refractory asthma.
- To evaluate treatments that target the pathological inflammatory process in refractory asthma.
- To discuss future research directions for refractory asthma management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published evidence on refractory asthma treatments.
- Analysis of treatments aimed at controlling airway inflammation.
- Discussion of clinical evidence and comparative merits of different therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- No definitive treatment currently exists to fully control refractory asthma.
- Research is ongoing to identify and target new inflammatory pathways.
- Existing pathways require more effective drug development or precise targeting.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of refractory asthma requires further research into novel anti-inflammatory strategies.
- Developing new drugs or improving the targeting of existing therapies is essential.
- A comprehensive understanding of inflammatory pathways is key to advancing treatment options.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
01:17Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Lower respiratory tract disorders present challenges that often require skilled and nuanced approaches for effective management. Common ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have prompted the development of intricate treatment strategies involving bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, each tailored to ease breathing and revitalize the lungs.
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
01:20Asthma: 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 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.
01:28Asthma 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...
01:26Asthma-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:
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: