ABSTRACT
After completing this chapter, the reader should be able to:
briefly describe the pathophysiology of obstructive airways disease;
compare the underlying pathophysiology of extrinsic and intrinsic asthma;
describe the mechanism of action, common adverse effects and contraindications of the bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, asthma prophylactics, leukotriene receptor antagonists, oxygen, respiratory stimulants and surfactants.