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Atopic Asthma

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Asthma is a chronic syndrome related to the inflamed airways of the lungs (Rogers 2010). This is due to the constriction of the airways from an exaggerated response to triggers that lead to episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, dyspnea and coughing (Rogers 2010). Asthma can start at any age. Atopic asthma, in most cases starts in childhood, and often related to an inherited predisposition to identifiable allergens, for example dust mites, pollen and grass which can lead to an allergic reaction (Rogers 2010). Being exposed to these allergens leads to the realease of large amounts of Immunoglobin E (IgE) from B lymphocytes. During inflammation, IgE attaches to the cells involved in the process and stimulate the release of inflammatory mediators, such as histamine and cysteinyl leukotrienes, that lead to bronchoconstriction and airway …show more content…
Bronchoconstriction is caused by damage to the epithelial, excessive mucus production, oedema, muscle damage and bronchospasm (Kaufman 2011).
The epithelium, in asthma, can result in damage and peel away. Shedding of the epithelium impacts on airway hyper-responsiveness in many different ways (Kaufman 2011). This includes the loss of barrier function which can cause the entrance and diffusion of allergens, enzymes can be lost due to the breakdown of inflammatory mediators and exposure of sensory nerves which can lead to reflex neural effects on the airway (Kaufman 2011).
Asthma can make the cells that secrete mucus in the airways to increase and the mucus glands to expand. The increase of mucus secretion causes the production of thick mucus plugs that can block the airways (Kaufman 2011).
The capillaries in the airway walls can dilate and result in leakage. The concerns of microvascular leakage can lead to increased airway secretions and oedema, which can contribute to narrowing of the airway and hyper-responsiveness (Kaufman

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