In allergic asthma, these features may be initiated by sensitisation to allergen(s), but, once established, asthma attacks can be triggered by various stimuli such as viral infection, exercise (in which the stimulus may be cold air and/or drying of the airways) and atmospheric pollutants such as sulphur dioxide. Immunological desensitisation to allergens such as pollen or dust mites is popular in some countries but is not superior to conventional inhaled drug …show more content…
They are generally ignored by TH cells and generate low level IgG & moderate TH1 response mediated by interferon-. In contrast an exaggerated TH2 response occurs in asthma generating the characteristic inflammatory response & bronchoconstriction.
The early phase of an asthma attack
The early phase of asthma is described as an immediate response from exposure of genetically disposed individuals to allergens, which occurs abruptly and is mainly caused by spasm of the bronchial smooth muscle. Allergen interaction with mast cell-fixed IgE causes release of histamine, leukotriene B4 and prostaglandin (PG)D2. Other mediators released include IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Various chemotaxins and chemokines attract leukocytes – particularly eosinophils and mononuclear cells.
The late phase of an asthma