Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026
09:58
A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
Parameters associated with persistent airflow obstruction in chronic severe asthma.
D Bumbacea1, D Campbell, L Nguyen
1Clinica de Pneumologie, Institutul National de Pneumologie Marius Nasta, Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie, Carol Davila, Bucharest, Romania.
The European Respiratory Journal
|August 6, 2004
Summary
Severe airflow obstruction in asthma is linked to increased airway inflammation and structural changes. This indicates airway remodeling in patients with persistent airflow limitation, even with similar treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Severe asthma is a complex condition with unclear implications of significant airflow obstruction.
- Understanding the underlying mechanisms of severe airflow obstruction is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between severe airflow obstruction and airway inflammation or structural changes in severe asthma patients.
- To identify factors associated with persistent airflow limitation in severe asthma.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of patients with severe asthma and either severe airflow limitation (FEV1 <50% predicted) or no obstruction (FEV1 >80% predicted).
- Assessment of lung function, exhaled nitric oxide (NO), blood eosinophil counts, quality of life (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire), and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the lungs.
- Statistical analysis to identify parameters independently associated with persistent airflow obstruction.
Main Results:
- Patients with severe airflow limitation were older with longer disease duration but had similar treatment burdens and quality of life scores.
- Higher levels of exhaled NO and peripheral blood eosinophils were observed in the severe airflow limitation group.
- HRCT revealed greater bronchial wall thickening and dilatation in patients with severe airflow limitation, suggesting airway remodeling.
Conclusions:
- Persistent airflow obstruction in severe asthma is associated with increased airway inflammation (higher eosinophils, NO) and structural changes (airway remodeling).
- Peripheral blood eosinophilia and bronchial wall thickening on HRCT are key indicators of persistent airflow obstruction.
- These findings highlight the importance of recognizing airway remodeling in severe asthma management.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
01:19Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a long-term condition marked by persistent and only partially reversible airflow limitation. It involves two overlapping conditions—chronic bronchitis and emphysema—which often co-appear but differ in dominant symptoms and underlying mechanisms.Chronic Bronchitis FeaturesChronic bronchitis presents with a persistent productive cough and thick, sometimes purulent mucus due to airway inflammation, enlarged mucus glands, and goblet cell...