Abstract
Chronic airway inflammation is central in the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma. However, clinical markers to evaluate airway inflammation are not available. Sputum cytology can be a useful and non-invasive clinical marker.
By monitoring eosinophils in induced sputum, we can observe the time course of airway eosinophil inflammation not only in acute phase, but also in stable phase after starting controllers such as inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene antagonists, and long-acting beta agonists. In case of infantile asthma, suction sputum cytology can be obtained to determine the diagnosis and treatment.
