1. Introduction/Overview Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a significant global health burden, characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities. The pharmacological management of COPD is a cornerstone of treatment, aimed at reducing symptoms, decreasing the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and improving health status and exercise tolerance. … Read more

1. Introduction/Overview Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) represents a significant global health burden characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and alveolar abnormalities, typically caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases. The pharmacological management of COPD is a cornerstone of therapy aimed at reducing symptoms, decreasing the frequency and … Read more

Introduction/Overview Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction. The pharmacological management of asthma represents a cornerstone of treatment, aiming to control symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and maintain normal lung function. The evolution of asthma therapy has progressed from a primary focus on … Read more

Introduction/Overview Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and underlying inflammation. The pharmacological management of asthma aims to achieve and maintain control of symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and minimize adverse effects from medications. This chapter provides a systematic examination of the drugs used in the treatment … Read more

Introduction/Overview Bronchodilators constitute a cornerstone of pharmacotherapy for obstructive pulmonary diseases, primarily asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These agents function by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, thereby increasing airway caliber and reducing airflow resistance. The clinical management of reversible airway obstruction is fundamentally dependent on the strategic use of these drugs, which alleviate symptoms, … Read more

Introduction/Overview Bronchodilators constitute a cornerstone of pharmacotherapy for obstructive airway diseases, primarily asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These agents function by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, thereby increasing airway caliber and reducing airflow resistance. The clinical management of these chronic conditions relies heavily on the strategic use of bronchodilators to relieve symptoms, improve exercise … Read more

Introduction/Overview Serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), functions as a critical neurotransmitter and autacoid, modulating a vast array of physiological and psychological processes. Its actions are mediated through an intricate system of receptors, currently comprising seven major families (5-HT1 to 5-HT7), many with multiple subtypes. Drugs that interact with these receptors—either as agonists, partial agonists, or antagonists—constitute … Read more

Introduction/Overview Prostaglandins and related eicosanoids constitute a vast family of lipid-derived autacoids that function as potent local signaling molecules. These compounds are not stored within cells but are synthesized de novo from membrane phospholipid-derived arachidonic acid in response to diverse physiological and pathological stimuli. Their actions are predominantly autocrine and paracrine, influencing nearly every organ … Read more

Introduction/Overview Prostaglandins and eicosanoids constitute a vast family of bioactive lipid mediators derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids, primarily arachidonic acid. These autacoids are not stored but are synthesized de novo in response to physiological and pathological stimuli, acting locally near their site of synthesis to exert potent, short-lived effects. The pharmacology of this system is … Read more