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Minerva Pneumologica 2005 June;44(2):59-74

Copyright © 2005 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Bronchial asthma: from pathogenesis to treatment

Paggiaro P., Bacci E., Dente F. L., Vagaggini B.

Allergic diseases and asthma represent one of most common chronic pathological conditions throughout the world. They are extremely common in developed countries. It is estimated that 2-15% of the European population is suffering from asthma and that, in some countries, allergy may affect over 50% of children. More recently, an increase in prevalence of asthma has been noted in developing countries. Although the use of asthma guidelines has reduced morbidity and mortality, the burden of asthma is still high. Knowledge of the causes and mechanisms of the atopic response and of asthma have greatly increased over the last decade.