Der Internist
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Bronchial asthma, with a prevalence in Germany of 5% among adults and 10% among children, remains a frequent disease. Newer cell biological data show a separate regulation of the allergy (interleukin 4, IL-4, pathway) and of the eosinophilic inflammation in asthma (IL-5 pathway). Both conditions require a therapeutic approach. ⋯ New medications are intended to overcome any remaining therapeutic weak points. Antileukotrienes and anti-IgE antibodies can contribute to reducing the necessary corticosteroids. Pharmaceutical agents that intervene in the IL-4 or IL-5 regulation or prevent remodeling are being developed.