Abstract

RIO-NAVARRO, Blanca Estela del; HIDALGO-CASTRO, Emilia María  and  SIENRA-MONGE, Juan José Luis. Asthma. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2009, vol.66, n.1, pp.3-33. ISSN 1665-1146.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways in which many cells and cellular elements play a role. The chronic inflammation is associated with airway hyperresponsiveness that leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night or in the early morning. These episodes are usually associated with widespread, but variable, airflow obstruction within the lung that is often reversible either spontaneously or with treatment. It is the most common respiratory disease in childhood, epidemiologic studies in Latin America report prevalence varying from 5.7 to 16.5%. Recent studies using ISAAC methodology in Mexico City have reported prevalence from 8 to 12%. Numerous risk factors have been associated with this disease. This factors, physiopathology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and therapeutics options are reviewed.

Keywords : Asthma; bronchial hyperreactivity; chronic disease; child.