Pulmonary diseases are the major cause of human morbidity, taxing the health care system due to disease prevalence, chronicity, and social and fiscal costs. This book concentrates on the inflammatory and immunogenic settings of pulmonary disorders and related medical areas. Excessive inflammation causes lung injury and forms a conducive background for pathogenic infections, particularly in immuno-compromised hosts. Bacterial immuno-evasive strategies develop, leading to self-perpetuating pathologies. Inflammation also is an essential component of non-communicable lung diseases, including asthma and respiratory allergies, and smoking-related or granulomatous diseases. The chapters combine a strong grounding in basic science with extensive clinical knowledge and experience. Advances in diagnostics, as well as preventive and therapeutic aspects also are tackled. The book provides useful information to clinicians, researchers, health care and other medical professionals.

Advances in diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases

Prevalence of Pulmonary Infections Caused by Atypical Pathogens in Non-HIV Immunocompromised Patients.-Effects of S-Nitroso-N-Acetyl-Penicillamine (SNAP) on Inflammation, Lung Tissue Apoptosis and iNOS Activity in a Rabbit Model of Acute Lung Injury .-Combination Therapy with Budesonide and Salmeterol in Experimental Allergic Inflammation.- Monoclonal Antibodies for the Management of Severe Asthma.- Cough and Arabinogalactan Polysaccharide from the Bark of Terminalia Arjuna.- Bronchodilator and Anti-Inflammatory Action of Theophylline in a Model of Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Inflammation.-Importance of Social Relationships in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases.- The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Smokers and Non-Smokers of the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) Study.- Electrodermal Activity in Adolescent Depression.- Metagenomic Analysis of Cerebrospinal Fluid from Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.