Airway inflammation and structural changes in airway hyper-responsiveness and asthma: an overview
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Updated: Oct 28, 2026

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
1Unité de Recherche, Centre de Pneumologie de l'Hôpital Laval, Réseau canadien des Centres d'exellence en santé respiratoire, Sainte-Foy, Canada. lpboulet@med.ulaval.ca
Abstract:
Asthma treatment has moved from bronchodilator therapy to an emphasis on anti-inflammatory therapy. Airway inflammation is believed to induce airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) through the release of mediators that increase the airway response to agonists. However, the exact contribution of airway inflammation in the physiology of airway hyper-responsiveness remains undefined. Structural modifications in airways resulting from inflammation may contribute to the development and persistence of AHR and the development of asthma. This paper reviews some of the main components of airway inflammation and structural changes in asthma, and discusses how these processes may interact to modify airway function and induce respiratory symptoms.
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