Asthma pathophysiology and the scientific rationale for combination therapy

Abstract

The clinical and scientific description of asthma has been undergoing an evolution of continuous revision during the past 10 years. This disorder has been recognized as a complex entity with interplay between genetic, environmental, and allergenic factors resulting in a significant component of inflammation of the airway. Recent directions in therapy differ in taking either the broad-based antagonist or the specific mediator antagonist approach. This review highlights some of the scientific evidence of the operative pathophysiological events and reviews their applicability to the rationale for broad-based combination asthma therapy.