Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract. In cases of predisposition this inflammation causes recurring cough, stertor, the feeling of pressure in the chest, difficulty breathing. The inflammation makes the respiratory tract sensitive to allergens, chemical irritants, tobacco smoke, cold air and physical exercise. These irritants cause swelling and respiratory tract spasm, increased quantities of mucous are produced and the respiratory tract becomes hypersensitive to external affections. If the condition is adequately treated then the inflammation may decrease for a long period of time as well as frequency of symptom appearance decreases, concomitant symptoms of bronchial asthma may also disappear.

By severity of the disease 4 forms of asthma are distinguished:

• Intermittent
• Mild remission
• Moderate persistent
• Severe persistent

The disease most frequently proceeds in classical form as suffocation episodes followed by remission periods.

Bronchial asthma treatment depends on the period of the disease. During the acute episodes it is necessary to inhibit it as soon as possible with broncho-spasmolytic drugs, which may belong to different groups: stimulators of adrenergic receptors, theophylline, methylxanthines.

During the remission period of bronchial asthma specific immunotherapy(hyposensibilization) may be performed. A very important part of the therapy consists in exercise, rational nutrition, daily regimen which will include long periods of time in contact with fresh air.