Diagnosis and treatment of asthma across Europe

It is widely recognized that the mortality rate for asthma is at an unacceptably high level. Many physicians take the view that, if this situation is to be reversed, emphasis should be placed on the earlier and regular use of preventive therapies, which manage the fundamental pathophysiology of asthma, rather than merely treating symptoms. It, therefore, appears appropriate to reappraise sodium cromoglycate in terms of its role in normalizing respiratory function by its effect on inflammatory mediators and, thus, in improving the quality of life for asthmatics.