Asthmafrom the Greek Άσθμα (ásthma)[cn], meaning gasp, is a common chronicinflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Treatment of acute symptoms is usually with an inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist (such assalbutamol). Symptoms can be prevented by avoiding triggers, such as allergens and irritants, and by inhaling corticosteroids. Leukotriene antagonists are less effective thancorticosteroids and thus less preferred.

The prevalence of asthma has increased significantly since the 1970s. As of 2009, 300 million people were affected worldwide. In 2009 asthma caused 250,000 deaths, although generally with treatment, prognosis is good.

Headlines Around the Web

Small caps: Drug OK lifts SkyePharma

Jul 07 - Financial Times

GlaxoSmithKline: taking its medicine

Jan 10, 2012 - Financial Times

Jerome 'The Bus' Bettis rolls in

Dec 15, 2011 - Politico

Consort Medical receives boost from inhalers

Dec 02, 2011 - Financial Times

NPPA raises prices of six drugs

Dec 25, 2010 - Business Standard

Happy and healthy Diwali

Nov 07, 2010 - Business Standard

Sparsha to launch product for asthma shortly

Oct 11, 2010 - Business Standard

Articles About Asthma

Merck signs $5 billion share buyback agreement with Goldman Sachs

By Reuters UK

Merck & Co Inc said it has entered into a $5 billion (3 billion pounds) share repurchase agreement with Goldman Sachs Group Inc, as the drug giant looks to prop up shareholder value in face of stiff competition from makers of less-costly generics. (May 22)

MORE TOPICS: GOLDMAN SACHS, CANCER

Mental Health Cases Rising Among American Children, How to Spot Symptoms of Mental Illness in Your Child
Mental Health Cases Rising Among American Children, How to Spot Symptoms of Mental Illness in Your Child

By IBTimes AU

For the past ten years, in what could be America's most sensitive health topic to date, a report has disclosed that the number of mental health cases in the world's freest economy is rising. (May 17)

MORE TOPICS: AUTISM

Photo of a sleeping baby in a car baby seat
Allergies in Babies: Parents' Saliva Can Ward Them Off

By IBTimes AU

According to a recent study, parent’s saliva could prevent eczema and asthma on babies (May 07)

Wall St. down on weak data, earnings; Fed on tap

By Reuters

Stocks fell on Wednesday, weighed by a slew of economic data that suggested weaker-than-expected growth. (May 02)

MORE TOPICS: FEDERAL RESERVE, DOW JONES, MANUFACTURING, EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK, INVESTMENT

Stock futures slip ahead of open on Merck, ADP; Fed on tap

By Reuters

Wall Street was set for a slightly lower open on Wednesday, weighed by weak results from Merck and as investors waited to hear from the Federal Reserve on the state of the economy. (May 01)

MORE TOPICS: FEDERAL RESERVE, DOW JONES, MANUFACTURING, EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK, NEW YORK, INVESTMENT

Wall St. set for flat open ahead of Fed

By Reuters

Wall Street was set for a flat open on Wednesday as investors waited to hear from the U.S. Federal Reserve on the state of the economy, and on signs of fatigue after the S&P 500 benchmark index ended at another all-time closing high. (May 01)

MORE TOPICS: FEDERAL RESERVE, DOW JONES, MANUFACTURING, EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK, NEW YORK

Stock futures flat ahead of Fed, jobs data

By Reuters

Stock futures were little changed on Wednesday as investors waited to hear from the U.S. Federal Reserve on the state of the economy, and on signs of fatigue after the S&P 500 benchmark index ended at another all-time closing high. (May 01)

MORE TOPICS: FEDERAL RESERVE, DOW JONES, MANUFACTURING, EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK, NEW YORK

AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca Loses US Patent on Asthma Drug

By IBTimes UK

AstraZeneca maintains that the decision will not affect the company's 2013 revenue guidance. (Apr 02)

MORE TOPICS: COURT, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Pharmacists dispense free medication, provided by the government, to patients at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) in Chennai July 12, 2012.
Big Pharma Waits Nervously on Glivec Patent Verdict

By Reuters

Global drugmakers, battered by recent intellectual property decisions in India, are girding for a landmark court ruling on Monday with broad consequences for their ability to sell lucrative patented medicines in the country. (Apr 01)

MORE TOPICS: PFIZER, COURT, INDIA, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, SUPREME COURT, LAWYER

C-Section Babies Have Abnormal Immune Function

Children delivered by C-section are significantly more likely to have abnormally reactive immune systems that make them prone to asthma and allergies, according to a study conducted by researchers at Henry Ford Hospital and presented at the annual me... (Mar 18)

MORE TOPICS: ALLERGY, INFECTION

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