THE CLASSICAL ALLERGIC DISEASE: ASTHMA

The inhalants that cause rhinitis can also cause asthma, the ‘target organs’ in this case being the tubes leading from the trachea to the lungs, known as the bronchi. A variety of airborne allergens may be responsible, see p59-63-

When these allergens trigger mast cells in the bronchi, they cause inflammation of the membranes lining the tubes which become thicker and produce more mucus. This restricts the free passage of air and sets the stage for a full-blown asthma attack. Such an attack occurs when sufficient mediators are released by the mast cells t» make the smooth muscles of the bronchi contract. The bronchi suddenly become much narrower. Stale air inside the lung cannot easily escape, so the lungs have difficulty in drawing in fresh air with its life-giving oxygen. The air whistling through the constricted openings makes the characteristic wheezing sound.

While most asthmatics conform to the general pattern described above there are also milder forms of the disease in which there is no wheezing and no asthma ‘attacks’ as such. In such cases the predominant symptom is a persistent cough combined with some breathlessness.

The only way of telling if such symptoms might be due to asthma is to try out an anti-asthma treatment and see if there is any improvement. If there is, further tests should be made to confirm the diagnosis and try to identify the allergens involved.

Although inhalants are the major culprits in asthma, foods can also play a part. Often there is more than one allergen involved.

*50\180\8*

Share and Enjoy: