Allergic Bronchial Asthma (BA) is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, development of airway hyperreactivity and recurrent reversible airway obstruction. T-helper 2 cells and their products have been shown to play an important role in this process. In contrast, the mechanisms by which immune cells interact with the cells residing in lung and airways, such as neurons, epithelial or smooth muscle cells, still remains uncertain.

Sensory and motor neurons innervating the lung exhibit a great degree of functional plasticity in BA defined as 'neuronal plasticity'. These neurons control development of airway hyperresponsiveness and acute inflammatory responses, resulting in the concept of "neurogenic inflammation". Such quantitative and/or qualitative changes in neuronal functions are mediated to a great extent by a family of cytokines, the neurotrophins, which in turn are produced by activated immune cells, among others in BA. We have therefore developed the concept that neurotrophins, such as nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor link pathogenic events in BA to dysfunctions of the immune and nervous system.

Nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness may be defined as an increase in the ease and degree of airway narrowing in response to a wide range of bronchoconstrictor stimuli. The development of airway hyperresponsiveness is mediated by multiple independent and additive pathways working in concert, which can be clinically tested using stimuli such as methacholine, histamine, exercise, cold air, capsaicin, and so on. Constriction of airway smooth muscle is largely controlled by sensory and motor neurons innervating the airways and the lung. The autonomic nerves that regulate many aspects of airway function, including airway smooth muscle tone, mucus secretion and bronchial microcirculation, can be functionally subdivided into cholinergic, adrenergic and nonadrenergic noncholinergic pathways.

Bronchial asthma is another term used for asthma. Asthma happens when the airways of the lungs becomes constricted and inflamed. The muscles of the bronchial tubes tighten and the airways create mucus that blocks the airways.

Asthma signs and symptoms vary from one person to another. But the most common sign of asthma is wheezing sound.

Accordingly, there is really no cure for asthma but the symptoms that come with asthma can be controlled. Any patient who has asthma should learn how to manage an asthma attack.

The proper management of asthma can include long term medicines to prevent any flare ups of their symptoms.

Asthma can affect your daily activities if you don't have proper management of asthma, in order to avoid this; you have to work with your doctor for the proper treatment and management of asthma.

Causes of Asthma

The exact cause of asthma is still unknown but it is probably due to genetic factors and some environmental influence.

The trigger of asthma attack varies from one person to another but the exposure to different allergens can trigger different symptoms of asthma.

Some common triggers are:

Respiratory infections like common colds
Cold air
Airborne allergens like pollen and animal dander
Strenuous physical activity
Some medicines
Severe stress
Allergic reaction to peanuts
GERD
Menstrual cycle of women
Air pollution
Preservatives