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Precipitating factors of asthma
1Department of Allergy & Allied Respiratory Disorders, UMDS Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
British Medical Bulletin
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Asthma involves bronchial hyperresponsiveness, leading to wheezing from allergens, irritants, exercise, infections, and drugs. Understanding these triggers, like aspirin, is key to managing asthma attacks.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma is defined by bronchial hyperresponsiveness, a key feature of the asthmatic diathesis.
- This hyperresponsiveness leads to wheezing when exposed to various triggers.
- The underlying mechanisms of asthma exacerbations are complex and multifactorial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the diverse factors precipitating asthma symptoms.
- To investigate the immunological and non-immunological pathways involved in asthma.
- To examine the role of physical stimuli, infections, and drugs in asthma attacks.
Main Methods:
- Review of known asthma triggers and their associated mechanisms.
- Discussion of IgE-dependent and non-IgE-dependent pathways in asthma.
- Focus on the role of mast cells and mediator release in bronchoconstriction.
Main Results:
- Identified allergens (IgE-dependent), irritants (non-specific), exercise/hyperventilation (non-IgE-dependent), respiratory infections, and drugs as common asthma triggers.
- Highlighted the potential role of mast cells in exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
- Noted that respiratory infections can precipitate the asthmatic state, particularly in infants.
- Emphasized recent research into drug-induced asthma, such as with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Conclusions:
- Asthma exacerbations are triggered by a wide array of factors acting through different mechanisms.
- Further research into non-IgE-dependent pathways and drug-induced asthma is warranted.
- Understanding these diverse triggers is crucial for effective asthma management and treatment.