Tohoku J. Exp. Med., 2002, 197 (2)

Review

Pathogenesis and Management of Virus Infection-Induced Exacerbation
of Senile Bronchial Asthma and Chronic Pulmonary Emphysema

MUTSUO YAMAYA

Department of Geriatric and Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574

The number of senile patients with therapy resistant bronchial asthma, chronic pulmonary emphysema increases due to the habit of smoking and increased number of older people, and these inflammatory pulmonary diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide. Rhinoviruses cause the majority of common colds, and provoke exacerbations of bronchial asthma and chronic pulmonary emphysema. Here, I review the pathogenesis and management of rhinovirus infection-induced exacerbation of senile bronchial asthma and chronic pulmonary emphysema.

Keywords —— rhinovirus; chronic pulmonary emphysema; bronchial asthma; heme oxygenase

© 2002 Tohoku University Medical Press

===============================

Tohoku J. Exp. Med., 2002, 197, 67-80

Address for reprints: Mutsuo Yamaya, M.D., Department of Geriatric and Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryomachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan.

e-mail: dept@geriat.med.tohoku.ac.jp

Dr. M. Yamaya is a receipient of the 2001 Gold Prize, Tohoku University School of Medicine.