ry
ei liters PE)
Asthma isa chronic intamnmatory condition of the hang airway esl
ing in epee ecflow bsroction, This chronic inflammation bight
fens the twfchiesr of the sways—airways hyperesponsiveness
(IIR) to provocative exposures. Asthma management aimed at
‘edicngsiraystfarmation by iniesing prnlamaacory en
‘onmentalexporares using dail controler aninflamtory medics
‘ions and contralling comorbid conditions that can worsen asthma
{es ilcamation typically eds better athns coat, with fewer
cacethations and decreased need for quiskeelieverasthina medica
‘ons. Nevethelas, excerbations can all orenrEary intervention
with systemic corticosteroids greatly reduces the severity of such ep
Soves Advances in asthina management and especialy, pharmaco
‘herapyenableallbu the uncommon child with dificult asthma to ive
pormaly
ETIOLOGY
“Although the cause of cihod ant has not been determined 2
‘combination of environmental exposures and inherent biologic and
text susceptibilities fas been implicated (Fig 141). Inthe suscep
{ble host, Immune responses to common airways exposures (68,
respiratory viruses, allergens, tobacco smoke. alr pollutants) an
Stimulate protonged, pathogenic inflammation and aberrant pat of
{injured airways issues. Lung dysfunction (AHR, reduced alow) and
alrway remodeling develo. Tes pathogenic processes nthe growing
Tung during erly fe adversely aflac airways growth and diferent
ton leading to altered aways at mature ages Once asthma has deve
oped, ongoing inflammatory exposures sppeat fo worsen i deiing