LONDON: UK scientists have said that they have found a new reason behind much of the damage asthma causes.
Cells lining the airways are squeezed to destruction during an attack, the new research revealed.
The Kings College London researchers told the Science journal said that drugs to prevent this attack, rather than manage its aftermath, might break the cycle of harm.
The airways of people with asthma are sensitive to triggers such as pets, pollen, and exercise.
They become inflamed or swollen, causing symptoms including wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness.
Existing medicines or inhalers can reduce this inflammation and help keep the airways open. However, repeated attacks can lead to permanent scarring and narrowing of the airways.
During an attack, the smooth muscle surrounding the airways starts get tighten and squeezed, known as bronchoconstriction.
The Kings College London team studied this process in very detail, using mice and human lung-tissue samples.
Lead researcher Prof Jody Rosenblatt said bronchoconstriction damaged the airway lining, leasing to the long-term inflammation, wound healing, and infections that cause more attacks.
Until now, this lining damage had been overlooked, she said.
Prof Rosenblatt said that this epithelial lining is the body’s first line of defence against infections and yet it is getting damaged during asthma attacks. If we can stop the damage, we are hoping that might prevent attacks from happening at all.
Preventive Measure Against Asthma Damage
One possible preventive measure the scientists are exploring is an element called gadolinium, which appears to help – at least in mice.
But much more work is required to see if it might be safe and effective enough to try in people – and that will take many years.
Asthma and Lung UK research and innovation director Dr Samantha Walker said that the latest research opens important new doors to explore possible new treatment options desperately needed for people with asthma.
