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Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17e
| Part Ten: Disorders of the Respiratory System > Section 2: Diseases of the Respiratory System > |
Asthma: Introduction
Topics Discussed: asthma.
Excerpt:
"Asthma is a syndrome characterized by airflow obstruction that
varies markedly, both spontaneously and with treatment. Asthmatics
harbor a special type of inflammation in the airways that makes
them more responsive than nonasthmatics to a wide range of triggers,
leading to excessive narrowing with consequent reduced airflow and
symptomatic wheezing and dyspnea. Narrowing of the airways is usually
reversible, but in some patients with chronic asthma there may be
an element of irreversible airflow obstruction. The increasing global
prevalence of asthma, the large burden it now imposes on patients,
and the high health care costs have led to extensive research into
its mechanisms and treatment...."
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