Pathophysiology of Airway Inflammation in Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that in most cases has its inception in early childhood with physiological hallmarks of increased airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and airflow obstruction that is largely reversible. Clinically, asthmatic patients have symptoms of coughing (especially at night), shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. The diagnosis of asthma is made by these clinical symptoms and is confirmed by the demonstration of reversible airflow obstruction.