Publisher's Synopsis
This study presents recent advances in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of children with asthma. Discussed are the increased prevalence, hospitalization rate, and mortality of children with asthma, a fact that has been recognized in many countries over the past two decades. The role of inflammation as a major contributing factor to airway obstruction is also considered. Furthermore, the diagnostic value of various tests used for assessing airway responsiveness is described. Attention is also paid to the ongoing controversy concerning the casual relationship between sinusitis and asthma.;A series of articles present updates on the management of asthma during early life, on the management of the acute attack and on day to day management. The better understanding of the pathophysiology of asthma and the availability of new therapeutic agents has led to improved treatment of the disease and to the development of a large number of educational programmes.
