This book gives an up-to-date analysis of the epidemiology of asthma i n children and adults, the role of steroids in asthma management and n ew and novel asthma therapies. Specific chapters deal with the epidem iology of asthma mortality and of childhood asthma, others discuss the advantages and drawbacks of the use of b2-adenoreceptor agonists, cor ticosteroids, theophylline and new generation phosphodiesterase inhibi tors in the treatment of asthma. A new non-invasive method to assess a irway inflammation is also presented as well as steroid-sparing therap ies in asthma. The book addresses clinicians and basic scientists wit h an interest in asthma epidemiology, steroids and future therapies. I t is also of interest to clinical and no-clinical teachers in academic disciplines relating to respiratory disease.