Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the study of asthma, shedding new light on the mechanisms that fuel asthma attacks. According to a study published in Science, the cells lining the airways are damaged during asthma attacks, leading to a state of permanent inflammation and making individuals more susceptible to new episodes.
Asthma is a chronic disease affecting 262 million people worldwide, characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult. While symptoms can be managed with medications, severe cases can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Scientists at King’s College London have found that bronchospasm, the narrowing of the airways in asthma, damages the epithelial cells lining the airways, leading to long-term inflammation. This continuous cycle of injury and healing in the epithelium makes individuals more vulnerable to infections and further asthma attacks.
The discovery of this mechanism opens up new avenues for research into therapies that can prevent asthma attacks at their source. While current treatments focus on reducing inflammation, targeting the cellular damage at the origin may break the cycle of asthma attacks.
Researchers are now exploring compounds that can counteract mechanical damage in these cells in mice, with the hope of eventually developing new therapies for human patients. However, it may take years to determine the safety and effectiveness of these potential treatments in clinical settings.
This research underscores the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms of asthma and paves the way for novel approaches to managing and preventing asthma attacks in the future.