This issue of Clinics in Chest Medicine, edited by Dr. Serpil Erzurum and Dr. Sumita Khatri, is devoted to several key areas of interest related to understanding Asthma and its treatments. Topics covered in this issue include: Epidemiology of the Asthma Epidemic in the 21st Century; Classification of Asthma; Genetics and Epigenetics of Asthma; Pro-Inflammatory Pathways in the Pathogenesis of Asthma; Dysfunction of Bronchomotor Tone Pathways in Asthmatic Airway Smooth Muscle; Systematic Approach to Asthma of Varying Severity; Comorbidities and Non-allergic Triggers in Asthma Exacerbations and Severity; Microbiome in Mechanisms of Asthma; Diet and Metabolism in the Evolution of Asthma and Obesity; The Exposome of Asthma; Life Cycle of Childhood Asthma; Asthma over the Adult Lifecourse, considering Gender and Hormonal Influences; Asthma and Corticosteroid Responses in Childhood and Adult Asthma; Immunomodulators and Biologics; Bronchial Thermoplasty; Population Health Models for Asthma; and The Future of Asthma Care: Personalized Asthma Treatment.

This book is ideal for the practicing clinician looking to better understand how our environment impacts the lung. A compilation of reviews explores how clinicians can be aware and better determine environmental effects on lung health, and provides guidelines for medical providers to diagnose, counsel and mitigate risk. Various lung diseases are affected by the external environment. Asthma is common, however other airways diseases, such as interstitial lung disease, malignancies, and even adverse effects from reactions treatments for other medical conditions can affect the health of the lungs. While there are books and chapters written on occupational lung disease and environmental causes of asthma, the intent of this body of work is to address the exposome and the effects on a broader group of lung disease. In addition to information on traditional exposure sources, such as air pollution and occupational exposures, this resource explores newer areas of interest, including lung disease from recreational inhalants and the role of climate change on lung health. Written by expert respiratory specialists, the articles cover a wide range of topics, including: How air pollution effects airways disease, including asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis Risk factors and effects of indoor mold exposure Both medical and non-medical exposures that increase the risk of or cause interstitial lung disease (ILD) also known as diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD) Acute and chronic lung disease associated with recreational inhalants The epidemiologic and molecular mechanisms of air pollution effects on pulmonary hypertension Climate change and weather-related lung health issues Areas in this field that need further evaluation