Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Airway remodeling in asthma.
Rabih Halwani1, Saleh Al-Muhsen, Qutayba Hamid
1Asthma Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Current Opinion in Pharmacology
|July 2, 2010
Summary
Asthmatic airway remodeling involves structural changes in the airway wall, leading to reduced lung function. While reversible in mild cases, it becomes permanent in severe, chronic asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cellular Biology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Asthmatic airway remodeling alters normal airway wall structure.
- These changes affect cellular and molecular components, causing decreased pulmonary function.
- Remodeling is a repair response to inflammation-induced injury, but dysregulation causes irreversible changes in severe asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on structural changes in asthmatic airways.
- To summarize mediators involved in airway remodeling.
- To provide an overview of asthmatic airway remodeling.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on airway remodeling in asthma.
- Synthesis of data on structural modifications and involved mediators.
- Analysis of reversibility in different asthma severities.
Main Results:
- Identified key structural modifications in asthmatic airways.
- Detailed the roles of various cellular and molecular mediators in the remodeling process.
- Highlighted the differential reversibility of airway remodeling based on asthma severity.
Conclusions:
- Asthmatic airway remodeling is a complex process involving structural changes.
- Dysregulated repair mechanisms contribute to irreversible airway remodeling in chronic severe asthma.
- Understanding these changes and mediators is crucial for managing asthma.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
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...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
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
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...