The pathophysiology of asthma. Extrinsic influences other than immunologic.

Atopy is not the most common factor causing asthma in adults. Recent elucidations of pathophysiologic mechanisms involving the autonomic nervous system, cyclic nucleotide metabolism, and arachnoidonic biochemistry give us a better understanding of the similarities and unique differences among asthma events related to exercise, aspirin, emotions, occupational environments, atmospheric conditions, and respiratory tract infections. The ultimate value of this information is no greater than its potential to aid the physician in decreasing the interference of asthma in the daily lives of patients.