Bronchial Asthma: advances in understanding pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches

Abstract

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that affects millions of people worldwide, with a significant impact on quality of life and burden on health systems. The severity of the disease varies among individuals, and asthma control, especially in refractory cases, represents a challenge in clinical practice. This study aimed to analyze the pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches of bronchial asthma, focusing on recent advances in therapies and factors that influence disease control, such as eosinophilic inflammation, obesity, and overlap with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The research was conducted through a systematic review of the literature, with analysis of studies published in the last 10 years in databases such as PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS. The results indicated that biological therapies, such as benralizumab, dupilumab, mepolizumab, and reslizumab, have shown significant efficacy in reducing exacerbations and improving lung function. Furthermore, non-pharmacological interventions, such as aerobic training and breathing exercises, have demonstrated benefits in asthma control. Bronchial thermoplasty also appears to be a promising option for severe uncontrolled cases. It is concluded that asthma requires personalized therapeutic approaches, and the combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies can optimize disease management.