The rising incidence of asthma, and the failure of modern treatment to reduce mortality makes it a subject of great concern. It is increasingly important to have a thorough understanding of asthma and to be able critically to evaluate new treatments. Our understanding of asthma has changed in the last ten years, so much that a revised and updated edition of this book on asthma became essential. This edition is the only reference on asthma that you need. It encompasses new developments, with particular emphasis on airway inflammation and reactivity, new drugs, new formulations of existing drugs, and better delivery systems. This book should not only improve understanding of asthma and give up-to-date knowledge, it also provides you with practical advice. This book should be of interest to respiratory physicians and allergists.