Abstract

In the recent years, a large number of potential biomarkers for asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have been described. Biomarkers derive from a variety of sources (bronchioalveolar lavage fluid, sputum, exhaled breath, and blood), provide complementary information to ascertain disease diagnosis, stage, activity/progression and/or treatment responses. The present review highlights the current literature and patents in the field with potential increase in disease control and therapeutic effectiveness to be granted in the near future.

Keywords: Asthma, biomarkers, COPD, treatment.