Asthma and smoker's lung: dry airways play ... (gives rise to thick dry mucus that canno...)

Asthma and smoker's lung: dry airways play a key role

Date:4/7/2008

gives rise to thick dry mucus that cannot be cleared. As a consequence, the respiratory tract gets clogged with mucus the lungs cannot be cleaned effectively of inhaled allergens, toxins and pathogens, giving rise to chronic pulmonary inflammation and respiratory insufficiency.

Dry airways lead to allergic inflammation, chronic bronchitis and emphysema

The research team from Heidelberg and the US has now for the first time studied the spontaneous course of lung disease caused by dehydration of airway surfaces in mice from birth to adulthood. We found changes that are not only typical for cystic fibrosis, but also for other chronic obstructive lung diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, reports Dr. Mall, head of the Heidelberg Cystic Fibrosis Center and also head of a research program funded by a Marie Curie Excellence Grant from the European Union.

In young mice, overly dry airways lead to allergic airway inflammation - characterized by an increase in specific white blood cells, the eosinophils - typically seen in asthma, a disease that affects every tenth child in Germany. Subsequently, adult mice gradually develop chronic bronchitis (dominated by neutrophils), and emphysema, i.e. the destruction of the small alveoli in the lungs that are responsible for the exchange of oxygen between air and blood. These changes are typical for lung disease caused by exposure to cigarette smoke.

Improved hydration through sodium channel blockers?

The researchers conclude that dehydrated airway surfaces could play a key role in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in humans. These results indicate that improving hydration of airway surfaces and thus mucus clearance of the lungs, for example by blocking the sodium channels in the cells of the respiratory tract, could be a successful strategy for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases of different etiologies. The He
'/>"/>

Contact: Dr. Annette Tuffs
annette.tuffs@med.uni-heidelberg.de
49-622-156-4536
University Hospital Heidelberg
Source:Eurekalert

0

GOOD

Page: 1 2 3
Related medicine news :

1. Actual use of asthma medications contradicts guidelines
2. FDA Probing Possible Link Between Asthma Drug and Suicide Risk
3. London Luxury Receives Asthma & Allergy Friendly(TM) Certification for Several of Its Bedding Products
4. Asthma medicines often not prescribed as national guidelines recommend
5. Study Analyzed Long-Term SYMBICORT(R) Use in Children With Persistent Asthma
6. NIH Asthma Guidelines Will Leave Sufferers Breathing Easier This Spring
7. Leading Autism Expert Kenneth A. Bock, M.D. Launches National Foundation to Provide Financial Assistance to Children with Autism, Allergies, Asthma and ADHD
8. Aspirin Reduces Asthma Risk Among Older Women
9. UniCare of West Virginia Providing Assistance for Asthma Education Training
10. Treatment for mild asthma leads to improved lung function
11. Oral Allergy Immunotherapy Helps Control Asthma

Post Your Comments:

Asthma and smoker's lung: dry airways play ...(gives rise to thick dry mucus that canno...),Health