What happens during an asthma
As mentioned above, asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation in the lungs’ airways. It is the most common chronic respiratory condition in children but can also affect adults.
This disease occurs when the body’s airways become inflamed and narrow, leading to difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing. The narrowing is caused by an inflammation of the airway lining, which is triggered by an allergen, irritant, or exercise. Common triggers of an asthma attack include exposure to allergens, dust, and smoke, as well as extreme temperatures.
In response to these triggers, T lymphocytes start to release inflammatory substances called interleukin 12. This substance increases cell response, especially in neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that infiltrates tissues. Other cells involved in the process are mast cells and basophils, activated by another substance known as immunoglobulin E. They increase bronchial wall thickness, increase secretion rate, and act on the muscle layer. All of this causes bronchial obstruction.
