Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways. It is a condition that mostly affect atopic individuals

In asthma, the airways are highly responsive to extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli causing air narrowing or reducing airways.

This allergic inflammatory response is characterized by an infiltration with eosinophils and other inflammatory cells.

In asthma, the inflammatory response (IgE-dependent mechanism) is activated inappropriately by these cells and is seen to be harmful rather than beneficial. Thus, the inciting stimulus persists and the normally acute inflammatory response becomes converted into a chronic inflammation which may have structural consequences in the airways.




Pathophysiology of Asthma 

 Activation of cells bearing allergen-specific IgE Rapid activation of airway mast cells and macrophages which release proinflammatory mediators histamine, eicosanoids, and reactive oxygen species that induce contraction of airway smooth muscle, mucus secretion, and vasodilatation mediators induce microvascular leakage with exudation of plasma in the airways .

Acute plasma protein leakage induces a thickened, engorged, and edematous airways and narrowing of the airway lumen late-phase inflammatory reaction occurs 6 to 9 hours after allergen provocation the recruitment and activation of eosinophils, CD4+Tcells, basophils, neutrophils, and macrophages.



Airway Inflammation





Lymphocytes( Blood Soldiers) 

 There are two types of T-helper CD4+cells. Type 1 T-helper (Th1) cells produce IL-2 and interferon-γ(IFN-γ), both essential for cellular defense mechanisms. Th2 cells produce cytokines (IL-4, -5, -6, -9, and -13) mediate allergic inflammation. IL-4 from Th2 cells promote IgE synthesis in B cells. The IL-5 provides support for eosinophil survival. possible Th1 cytokines inhibit the production of Th2 cytokines, and vice versa. It is hypothesized that allergic asthmatic inflammation results from a Th2- mediated mechanism an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 cells.




Does hygiene contribute to asthma ?

 Studies have shown that atopic individuals naturally allow the allergic immunologic system (Th2) to develop instead of the immunologic system used to fight infections (Th1) first 2 years is important for alteration in the immune system. Baby’s immune system is skewed toward Th2 cells needs timely and appropriate environmental stimuli to create a balance Support- a lower risk for asthma in children on farms exposed to high levels of bacteria, in those with a large number of siblings, in those with early enrollment into child care, in those with exposure to cats and dogs early in life, in those with exposure to fewer antibiotics


Inflammatory Cells

MAST CELLS Cells degranulate is responses to allergens releasing histamine. Histamine induces smooth muscle constriction and bronchospasm and plays a role in mucosal edema and mucus secretion ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES to serve as “scavengers, ” engulfing and digesting bacteria and other foreign materials release platelet-activating factor, leukotriene B4, C4, D4 able to produce neutrophil/ eosinophil chemotactic factor


Symptoms of Acute Asthmatic Episode

1-Coughing 

2-Wheezing — may be absent 

3-Breathlessness — while walking or while at rest 

4-Respiratory rate increased 

5-Chest tightness

6-Chest or abdominal pain

 7-Fatigue, feeling out of breath 

8-Agitation Increased pulse rate 

9-Inability to participate in sports


Factor That Trigger Asthma Attacks 


.Allergic reactions to environmental allergens such as pollens, molds, dust mite or animal dander 

Colds and viral respiratory infections 

Exercise Changes in weather, exposure to cold air or sudden temperature change 

Irritants such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, paints and cleaning agents 

Strong odors and/or perfumes



Herbal medicines for Respiratory System/Asthma treatment

1.Euphorbia hirta ( Australia Asthma plan t ) 


Prevents IgE in the blockage of the Beta - 2 receptors of pulmonary smooth muscle cells to causes asthma Prevents the release of inflammatory mediators and increase in oxidative stress



2-Boswellia serrata (Frankincense). It Inhibit leukotriene







3-Desmodium abscendens



Anti-anaphylactic property(EtOH & Aq) Interfere with histamineinduced contractions, and reduce the amount of smooth muscle stimulating substances released from lung tissue.