The majority of triggers probably mediate their bronchoconstrictive effects via indirect activation of airway smooth muscle, primarily through the stimulation of sensory nerves and the generation of central or axonal reflexes. Airway inflammation may also have a direct obstructive effect as a result of airway wall edema and overproduction of mucus. Airway obstruction is responsible for most of the symptoms of asthma, including dyspnea and wheezing. The diagnosis of asthma can be based on historical information. Such tests are only required if information from the clinical presentation is inconclusive.
Occupational asthma represents a mixed category.
Other than representing a manifestation of the disease, exercise-induced asthma is not an independent entity. Asthma is also classified based on severity. A recent classification of the 4 stages of severity includes intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, and sever persistent asthma. Environmental control measures to avoid or eliminate factors that precipitate asthma symptoms or exacerbations. Comprehensive pharmacologic therapy for long-term management designed to reverse and prevent airway inflammation characteristic of asthma as well as pharmacologic therapy to manage asthma exacerbations.