Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

In Vitro Model for Studying Differentiation and Changes of Multi-Omics on Murine Airway Epithelial Cells Stimulated with Cigarette Smoke Extract
Published on: July 12, 2024
Influences of smoking and aging on allergic airway inflammation in asthma
Tadao Nagasaki1, Hisako Matsumoto
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Abstract:
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with varying phenotypes and numerous risk factors. This condition results from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors, and active smoking is one of these risk factors. The effects of aging should also be taken into account in these interactions. From an epidemiological standpoint, smokers and/or elderly patients with asthma are not small part in the total population with asthma. Furthermore, both smoking and aging are important risk factors for severe asthma. This review discusses the potential effects of smoking and aging on healthy subjects and patients with asthma, particularly from the perspective of inflammatory changes. First we show evidence that smokers and the elderly have increased neutrophil counts in their airways, which may have impacts on their clinical characteristics of elderly smokers with asthma. Secondly, on the basis of our recent findings on the interactions between smoking and aging in patients with asthma, we propose that IgE/eosinophilic inflammation should not be underestimated in elderly smokers with asthma, particularly those who are atopic. This review may expand our understanding of the effects of smoking and aging on asthma with a new perspective of an old issue.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Asthma-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
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:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
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.
