Scientists uncover key element causing asthma

The researchers aver that abnormal calcium levels in the muscle cells that line airways make the lungs very sensitive. This in turn, makes the airways change over time, making it hard for people to take breaths.

Remodelling
The mechanism by which changes occur in the airways is known as remodelling. During remodelling the lungs react to the existence dust, pollen and other such particles in the air they breathe.

Lead author of the study and head of the Division of Asthma and Allergy Research at King's College, Professor Tak Lee, said, “It is widely believed that this remodelling in asthma is in large part responsible for the chronicity of the disease.”

He added, "There are many features responsible for remodelling but a key component of this process involves an increased amount of smooth muscle in the airways."

In asthmatic patients, the muscle cells multiply and tend to become large thereby squeezing the airways and causing difficulties in breathing. As on date, there is no recognized technique to reverse airway remodelling once it has occurred.

Dr Elaine Vickers, of Asthma UK, said: "This research into the causes of asthma provides us with vital clues as to how such symptoms could be stopped and it has uncovered important information.”

The study has been published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways wherein patients complain of persistent occurrences of breathlessness, wheezing and chest congestion predominantly at night or in the early morning.

The present UK study is being termed as a breakthrough research and is likely to pave way for developing newer methods and medicines for the benefit of millions of people in India who are affected by asthma symptoms.

The number of Asthmatic patients in the country has been spiraling and the country is being pegged to become the world's capital for the disease.