Airway Diseases
An Introduction to Airway Disease
The incidence of respiratory allergies is increasing, particularly in industrialized areas. Allergic inflammation can occur in both the upper and lower airways, and can differ substantially in intensity. Traditional drug therapy such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, anticholinergic agents and leukotriene inhibitors is important in reducing and preventing symptoms and is essential in acute use. More recent therapies including anti-immunoglobin E (IgE) therapy, anti-interleukin (IL) monoclonal antibodies, and phosphodiesterase 4/phospholipaseA2 inhibitors, have improved outcomes. However, in order to develop more effective therapies, further research is needed into the molecular mechanisms underlying respiratory allergy onset, particularly in terms of intracellular reactions and the cytosolic Ca2+ balance.
Browse our selection of video highlights and short articles from the conference hub, providing insights into the latest updates from major conferences and a selection of peer-reviewed articles from the journal portfolio.
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Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a rare genetic disorder that can lead to progressive, early-onset emphysema, with no current therapies able to reverse established lung damage. In this interview, Dr Karina A. Serban and Dr Maria Magallon Serrano discuss the unmet needs in AATD-related emphysema, the rationale for investigating lithium as a potential treatment, key findings from their preclinical study presented at ATS 2026, and the implications for future clinical trial development.
Respirology Reflections is our new, expert-led, practice pearls series delivering concise, actionable insights from leading experts in respiratory and pulmonary medicine. Designed to help healthcare professionals stay current, it highlights real-world challenges, emerging evidence, and actionable strategies to enhance clinical practice, strengthen decision-making, and build confidence in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving field.
Asthma and COPD are common airway diseases with distinct underlying mechanisms, yet in everyday practice many patients present with features of both. Differentiating between asthma-predominant and COPD-predominant disease is an important clinical challenge, with significant implications for diagnosis, treatment selection, and long-term outcomes. In this Q&A, Prof. Felix Herth discusses how clinicians can approach patients with overlapping features of asthma and COPD, including the role of clinical history, lung function testing, biomarkers, imaging, treatment selection, and the importance of reassessing response to therapy over time.
We often focus on clinical excellence, but spend less time developing broader skills that could help us better lead with purpose and build more fulfilling, impactful careers. In this episode, part of a mini-series in partnership with LEADderm, Dr Jennifer Soung and Denise Mann explore how clinicians can engage with the media to educate, empower and extend their impact beyond the clinic.
We are delighted to welcome Dr Alexander G Mathioudakis, Senior Lecturer in Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester and Honorary Consultant Respiratory Physician at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, to the Editorial Board of touchREVIEWS in Respiratory & Pulmonary ...
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re celebrating another remarkable year of growth, collaboration and innovation at touchRESPIRATORY. From thought-provoking expert interviews and peer-reviewed research to dynamic conference coverage and an expanding portfolio of medical education, this year has been defined by meaningful conversations and impactful learning. We’ve had the privilege of engaging with leading clinicians, researchers and partner societies across the globe - bringing together diverse voices to support the respiratory community with timely, accessible and authoritative content. As we reflect on the past 12 months, we’re proud to highlight the moments, milestones and stories that shaped our year.
The ERS Congress 2025 in Amsterdam showcased the latest advances in respiratory medicine, featuring cutting-edge research, interactive workshops, and sessions across 14 specialist assemblies. Highlights included live endoscopy demonstrations, updates on lung cancer projects, and innovative programmes for early career professionals. This year’s congress underscored global collaboration and innovation in respiratory health. touchRESPIRATORY were delighted to speak with leading experts at ERS 2025, sharing insights on some of the congress’s key presentations and breakthroughs in respiratory medicine.
Severe asthma has a profound impact on patients’ quality of life, yet many aspects remain underappreciated. This Q&A Dr Joseph Lanario explores findings from SHARP, a pan-European research consortium, including variability in patient response to biologic treatments and factors driving fatigue. Learn how these insights from patient-reported outcomes are shaping research, guiding clinical practice, and informing strategies to improve care for people living with severe asthma.
The phase 2 TIDE-Asthma (NCT05421598) study is investigating amlitelimab, an OX40L inhibitor, as an add-on therapy for moderate-to-severe asthma. In this Q&A, Dr Praveen Akuthota discusses the drug’s mechanism of action, study aims and design, key clinical endpoints, the findings shared at the ERS International Congress 2025, and the potential impact on future asthma treatment.
In this episode of Visionary Voices, we welcome Associate Professor Grace Vincent from CQUniversity’s Appleton Institute. A leading expert on sleep and shift work, Grace explores how disrupted sleep affects physician health in both the short and long term, as well as its impact on safety and performance. We also discuss what this means for patient outcomes and share practical strategies to manage sleep loss.
EUFOREA has expanded its Patient Portal to include asthma, offering reliable, expert-backed resources for people living with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) such as asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and COPD. In this Q&A, Dr. Sophie Scheire, EUFOREA’s Patient Education Manager, discusses how the portal helps bridge the knowledge gap, combat misinformation, and empower patients to take charge of their health, while also supporting healthcare professionals in providing better care.
As touchRESPIRATORY approaches 10 years of providing education for busy respiratory specialists, we are looking to the future—and it certainly looks bright! This year, we are celebrating our inaugural touchRESPIRATORY Future Leaders to recognize the outstanding talent that has entered our field in recent years. These individuals are set to innovate and transform respiratory and pulmonary medicine in the years to come.
On August 12, the FDA granted approval to brensocatib, making it the first and only therapy specifically indicated for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). This approval represents not just a regulatory milestone but a tangible step forward for patients and clinicians alike in managing a complex, under-treated respiratory disease.
Future Leader Dr Joseph Lanario, Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham, is advancing patient-reported outcome tools to more accurately capture the lived impact of severe asthma. Co-author of the Severe Asthma Questionnaire, now embedded in international core measures, he leads the Inclusive PRO study to overcome barriers such as digital exclusion and disability, ensuring respiratory research represents all patient experiences.
In this Future Leaders interview, Dr Alexander Mathioudakis discusses his pioneering work in precision medicine for airway diseases, with a focus on COPD. He explains how his research is uncovering novel biomarkers, like eosinophil trajectories, to guide treatment decisions and improve outcomes. Dr Mathioudakis also shares insights on balancing innovation with evidence-based practice and offers valuable advice for early-career clinicians pursuing academic careers in respiratory medicine.
As touchRESPIRATORY approaches 10 years of providing education for busy respiratory specialists, we are looking to the future—and it certainly looks bright!
Physician burnout is at a critical point. In this episode, Nicky speaks with Dr Alfred Atanda about why so many physicians are burning out and what can be done to change the trend. From personal experience to system-wide solutions, Dr Atanda shares valuable insights on improving physician well-being and building a more effective healthcare culture.
What if your medical degree could launch more than a clinical career? In this candid and compelling read, Dr Jon Edelson shares his lessons for early-career clinicians ready to think beyond the bedside and explore the business of medicine.
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