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ABSTRACT
Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by variable airflow obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness with a multifactorial etiology involving genetic, environmental, and immunologic components. This monograph explores the complex interplay between the immune system and bronchial asthma in the adult population, with a particular focus on defining the respiratory system, detailing bronchial asthma – its history, pathogenesis, risk factors, pollen season, and the viral disease COVID-19 as some of the possible factors for the development of asthma symptoms or worsening with health status. The monograph also describes types of prevention, diagnostic methods in clinical examination and last but not least asthma management and treatment. The role of both innate and adaptive immune responses, including the contribution of eosinophils, mast cells, Th2 lymphocytes, and cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, in the development and progression of asthma is also emphasized. Through an interdisciplinary approach that combines clinical, immunological and epidemiological data, the aim of this work is to further our understanding of the pathophysiology of asthma in adult patients and to highlight the implications for targeted prevention, diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.
KEYWORDS:
Bronchial Asthma, Inflammation, Immune Response, Adult Population, Treatment
INTRODUCTION
Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that has a high prevalence of cases worldwide. It is characterized by increased sensitivity and reactivity of the airways to various stimuli, leading to recurrent episodes of shortness of breath, choking, coughing and chest tightness. Although asthma has been the subject of extensive research and many treatment options are available, there is still a need for a better understanding of its pathogenesis and evolution so that more effective treatment strategies can be developed.
The pathogenesis of asthma is a complex process involving the interac-tion of genetic, immunological and environmental factors. The main determi-nant of this pathogenesis is the increased sensitivity of the respiratory tract to various allergens and irritants. The immune system responds to these stimuli by excessive production of inflammatory mediators, leading to inflammation and swelling of the airways. This inflammation causes increased airway reac-tivity, which can lead to recurrent episodes of wheezing and other symptoms. Despite the available treatment options, asthma is often challenging to manage. Lack of adherence to treatment by patients, inadequate symptom control and asthma exacerbations are just some of the problems doctors face in treating the disease. In addition, there is an increasing prevalence of asthma, highlighting the need for further research and innovation in this area.
We would like to thank the reviewers whose expert advice and valuable insights helped us to improve the quality of the monograph. Special thanks go to the pacients for their willingness to cooperate and participate in the research.