Airway Inflammation Is Present in Early Asthma, and Also in Patients with Mild DiseaseBronchial biopsy specimens, sputum, and fluid obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage have shown that significant inflammation is present in early asthma, and also in patients with only a short duration of symptoms, or with mild disease . It is assumed that chronic inflammation can lead to airway remodeling, including an increase in airway smooth muscle (hyperplasia and hypertrophy), vascular proliferation, an increase in bronchial glands, edema formation, and collagen deposition . The direct relation of airway inflammation to airway remodeling and disturbances of lung function, development of irreversible changes in lung function, and increased bronchial responsiveness is complex and difficult to assess .