Ali1234
  • 0
Researcher

Why doesn't asthma go away?

  • 0
Why doesn't asthma go away?
Share

    1 Answer

    1. Researcher

      Asthma is a chronic (long-term) condition that affects the airways in the lungs. It doesn't "go away" in the sense of being cured because of a combination of underlying biological mechanisms and how the body responds to triggers. Here's a breakdown of why it persists: Chronic Inflammation: At its coRead more

      Asthma is a chronic (long-term) condition that affects the airways in the lungs. It doesn’t “go away” in the sense of being cured because of a combination of underlying biological mechanisms and how the body responds to triggers. Here’s a breakdown of why it persists:

      1. Chronic Inflammation: At its core, asthma involves ongoing inflammation in the airways. Even when you’re not having symptoms, there’s often a low level of inflammation present. This makes the airways hypersensitive and prone to reacting strongly to various triggers.
      2. Airway Hyperresponsiveness (AHR): Because of this chronic inflammation, the airways become “twitchy” or hyperresponsive. This means they overreact to things that wouldn’t bother someone without asthma, like allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander), irritants (smoke, strong smells, pollution), exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections. When exposed to a trigger, the airways narrow rapidly.
      3. Airway Remodeling: Over time, especially if asthma is poorly controlled, structural changes can occur in the airways. This “remodeling” can include:
        • Thickening of the airway walls: The lining of the airways becomes thicker due to inflammation and scarring.
        • Increased muscle mass: The smooth muscles around the airways can enlarge, making them contract more forcefully during an attack.
        • Increased mucus production: The glands in the airways produce more mucus, which can further clog the narrowed passages. These structural changes can lead to a more permanent narrowing of the airways and make them less responsive to medication.
      4. Immune System Involvement: Asthma is often linked to an overactive immune response, particularly a type called “Type 2 inflammation.” This involves specific immune cells (like eosinophils and mast cells) and signaling molecules (cytokines like IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) that drive the inflammation, mucus production, and bronchoconstriction characteristic of asthma.
      5. Genetic Predisposition: There’s a strong genetic component to asthma. If you have family members with asthma or other allergic conditions (like eczema or hay fever), you’re more likely to develop it. This suggests an inherited susceptibility to airway inflammation.

      Can asthma ever disappear?

      While there’s no “cure” for asthma in the sense that it completely vanishes and never returns, some people, particularly children, may experience what’s called remission. This means their symptoms significantly decrease or disappear as they get older, and they may no longer need medication. However, even in remission, the underlying airway hyperresponsiveness might still be present, and symptoms can return later in life, especially with strong triggers or changes in hormones.

      For most people, asthma is a lifelong condition that needs to be managed with medication and by avoiding triggers. The good news is that with proper diagnosis and an individualized asthma action plan, most people with asthma can effectively control their symptoms and lead full, active lives.

      See less
      • 0

    You must login to add an answer.

    Need An Account,