Asthma. A Comprehensive Clinical Reference: From Pathophysiology to Precision Medicine

Document from the year 2026 in the subject Medicine - Other, language: English, abstract: Asthma remains one of the most prevalent and burdensome chronic respiratory diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 339 million people across all age groups, geographies, and socioeconomic strata. Despite significant advances in our understanding of its mechanisms and remarkable improvements in therapeutic options, asthma continues to exact a heavy toll on patients, families, healthcare systems, and economies globally. This reference book, Asthma: A Comprehensive Clinical Reference - From Pathophysiology to Precision Medicine, was conceived in response to the rapidly evolving landscape of asthma science and clinical practice. The emergence of precision medicine, the identification of distinct endotypes and phenotypes, the development of targeted biologic therapies, and the growing recognition of environmental and climate-related determinants have fundamentally transformed how we diagnose, classify, and manage asthma in the twenty-first century. The text is structured to serve as both a foundational reference for students and trainees entering the field and a current, evidence-based resource for practicing clinicians, researchers, and public health professionals. Each chapter integrates the latest guidelines from the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA 2024), landmark clinical trials, and emerging evidence from translational science. It is the author's sincere hope that this work contributes meaningfully to the clinical armamentarium of those who dedicate their efforts to improving the lives of individuals living with asthma.