Pathophysiological changes of intractable asthma
Inoue, H.
Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi 26(3): 231-236
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-1542 PMID: 3230736 Document Number: 319020
Using lung function tests, cough tests, airway reactivity tests, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analysis, and pathophysiological properties in intractable asthma, severe airway obstruction was observed without decrease in lung diffusing capacity. The data of flow volume curves and blood gas analysis suggested that the obstructive lesion is located largely in the peripheral airways. Intractable asthma is also susceptible to non-specific bronchoconstrictors such as methacholine, and airway irritants such as citric acid. BAL fluid studies also indicate that the percent increase in neutrophil numbers would enhance airway reactivity and that the percent increase in eosinophil numbers would lead to an increase in respiratory resistance. The present results indicate that airway inflammation, expressed as neutrophil and/or eosinophil accumulation in airway lumen, may exacerbate asthma.