[Airways obstruction and disodium-cromoglycate--a new therapeutic principle (Clinical aspects) (author's transl)]

A short outline of the causes, pathology and genetic background of airways obstruction is presented in which the special importance of allergic and immune reactions is emphasised. The place of disodium-cromoglycate (DSCG) in treatment is shown to lie in interrupting the chain of events which leads to an asthmatic attack. The main field of application of this drug is in allergic asthma, but it also has a place in the treatment of other forms of labile airways obstruction where an allergic cause in not so obvious. Examples of this are given and the protective effect of DSCG on the irritable bronchial tree is also demonstrated. Dosage and technique of administration are described and it is shown that conventional drug therapy can be reduced when this drug is properly used.