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Related Concept Videos

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
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...
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs01:25

Antiasthma 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...
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.
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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...
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines01:24

Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines

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Updated: Jun 23, 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

Asthma therapy over 100 years.

Peter J Barnes1

  • 1National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW3 6LY, UK.

Postgraduate Medical Journal
|June 22, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Asthma treatment has evolved from natural bronchodilators to inhaled corticosteroids and beta-agonists. Modern therapies, including biologics and smart inhalers, target inflammation and improve adherence for better asthma management.

Keywords:
anticholinergicbiological therapycorticosteroidinhalertheophyllineβ2-agonist

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A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: Moxibustion
05:56

A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: Moxibustion

Published on: May 12, 2023

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 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

A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: Moxibustion
05:56

A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: Moxibustion

Published on: May 12, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Pharmacology
  • Medical History

Background:

  • Asthma treatments 100 years ago included ephedrine, theophylline, and inhaled anticholinergics, primarily bronchodilators from natural products.
  • Adrenaline evolved into inhaled beta-agonists, while corticosteroids, derived from adrenal extracts, proved most effective for eosinophilic airway inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the historical evolution and current advancements in asthma therapy over the past century.
  • To highlight the shift from bronchodilator-focused treatments to anti-inflammatory strategies in asthma management.

Main Methods:

  • Historical review of asthma treatment modalities.
  • Analysis of the development and efficacy of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and biologics.
  • Examination of recent innovations addressing adherence and severe asthma management.

Main Results:

  • Inhaled corticosteroids combined with long-acting beta-agonists are now standard asthma care.
  • Newer treatments include anti-inflammatory relievers, smart inhalers, and cytokine-blocking antibodies for severe asthma.
  • Future directions involve longer-acting biologics and novel drugs for non-eosinophilic asthma.

Conclusions:

  • Asthma therapy has seen remarkable progress over 100 years, with current treatments originating from early natural product-based therapies.
  • The focus has shifted from simple bronchodilation to comprehensive management of airway inflammation and improved patient adherence.