Scientists have stumbled on a potential new treatment for delayed asthma attacks which can occur several hours after exposure to allergens, a study shows.
A typical early asthmatic response occurs within an hour of exposure to allergens such as chemicals, grass pollen or house-dust mites. However, after the primary attack, about 50 percent of the asthma patients experience delayed symptoms that causes difficulties in breathing for up to as long as 24 hours.
In research on mice and rats, scientists from Imperial College London have now found evidence that the late asthmatic response happens because the allergen triggers sensory nerves in the airways.
These nerves activate reflexes which trigger other nerves that release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, causing the airways to narrow. It means that drugs that block acetylcholine - called anticholinergics, which includes tiotropium - could be used to treat asthma patients who experience late phase responses.
At present, steroids are the main treatments for asthma but they are not effective for all patients.
In research on mice and rats, scientists from Imperial College London have now found evidence that the late asthmatic response happens because the allergen triggers sensory nerves in the airways.
These nerves activate reflexes which trigger other nerves that release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, causing the airways to narrow. It means that drugs that block acetylcholine - called anticholinergics, which includes tiotropium - could be used to treat asthma patients who experience late phase responses.
At present, steroids are the main treatments for asthma but they are not effective for all patients.
0 comments
Post a Comment