Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Asthma

About this Book:
For some years, international guidelines on the management of asthma have stressed the importance of early intervention with anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent acute asthma exacerbations and to avert chronic inflammatory damage to the airway.
Introduced by a broad survey of the targets for anti-inflammatory drugs, this book proceeds to bring together the most recent research into the mechanisms and clinical benefits of presently-available anti-inflammatory treatments including corticosteroids, cromones, and theophylline. For the first time, these drugs are discussed alongside the newly-introduced leukotriene modifier drugs, and in the context of frontline research into anti-inflammatory drugs of the future. Leading authorities in their fields evaluate the prospects of novel anti-IgE agents and cytokine antagonists, and examine recent developments in immunosuppressant compounds, protease inhibitors, and selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors. This book is an up-to-date and authoritative survey whi ch will be invaluable to university and pharmaceutical company researchers working on anti-asthma and anti-allergy drugs and to respiratory physicians keeping abreast of developments in their specialty.