There is growing interest in the pronounced variability in the incidence and severity of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma. It is now known that acute exacerbations are multi-factorial in origin, with pollution, allergens and viruses all implicated, and effective treatment requiring a similarly complex approach that addresses each of the component causes. In this new volume, leading authorities review what is known of these causative factors and the mechanisms by which they exacerbate the symptoms of pulmonary disease, both singly and in combination with each other. The authors evaluate the individual efficacy of current treatments in the light of this knowledge and present new recommendations for formulating effective therapeutic regimens. Key areas covered include: epidemiology; pathophysiology; in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models of asthma exacerbation; treatment and prevention of asthma exacerbations; and, delivery of care. Addressing a topic of great interest, this is a key work for those working in respiratory medicine, pulmonary medicine and immunology, as well as for physiologists.