1,721,226 research outputs found
Rhino-sinobronchial syndrome
No full textThe intra- and extra-thoracic airways have a common embryological origin - 2(nd)-4(th) branchial pouch - and a continuity that ensures the conditioning and the conduct of airflow to the alveoli. It is this continuity that explains the common pathological events having a cause and effect type of relationship, such as is the case with rhino-sinobronchial syndrome. This syndrome has a multifactorial pathogenesis frequently with an allergic component, for which the time for resolution can exceed 12 weeks - a fact which must be included in the differential diagnosis of severe and bronchial asthma, especially in cases of difficult management or resolution. Interaction between the pulmonologist and otolaryngologist is thus fundamental for a correct patient management
Antileukotrienes in clinical development for asthma.
No full textAsthma is a serious world health problem characterised by a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. Asthma attacks, or exacerbations, are episodic but airway inflammation is chronically present. Thus, this disorder requires long-term management. The goals of asthma management include prevention steps for long-term control, action steps to stop attacks, recognising deteriorating asthma, how to treat deteriorating asthma, how and when to seek medical attention and education. In order to achieve the best therapeutic choice, a stepwise approach should be adopted. In recent years, much progress regarding the characterisation of leukotrienes (LTs) has been achieved. These substances are important products of action of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) enzyme on arachidonic acid (AA) and it has been established that the leukotrienes are key mediators of both allergy and inflammation. Consequently, the important role of the cysteinyl-leukotrienes (Cys-LTs) in the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma has been suggested. Pharmacological support for the role of Cys-LTs in asthma has been observed using inhibitors of 5-LO and specific LT receptor antagonists. In the clinical setting, the LT receptor, which plays the most important role, is the Cys-LT1 receptor. The antagonists of this receptor have proven an effective therapy in chronic asthmatics, agonist antigens and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and in aspirin-intolerant asthmatics. These drugs provide a new approach in asthmatic therapy and therefore may facilitate the compliance of daily therapy
Budesonide and formoterol combination for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
No full textChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Current guidelines recommend the addition of inhaled steroids to bronchodilators, which are central to the symptomatic management of COPD in patients with severe disease. Budesonide/formoterol is a combination inhaled steroid and long-acting bronchodilator delivered by a dry-powder inhaler, approved for use in COPD. Two large, randomised, double-blind, 12-month studies found that combination budesonide/formoterol is more effective than either component alone in addressing many important aspects of the disease, such as pulmonary function, symptoms, use of relief medication, health-related quality of life and exacerbation in patients suffering from severe COPD. This review discusses the pharmacological and clinical properties of the drug
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