1. What is the underlying mechanism of M.A.'s asthma? What are the three airway responses that occur during an asthma episode?
An autoimmune response to allergens from cats and plants is the underlying mechanism for the patient’s condition. These allergens, though nonpathogenic, trigger an inflammatory cascade wherein lymphocytes, eosinophils, mast cells, neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells exert their effects on the respiratory tract (Linzer 87). As an example, B lymphocytes synthesize immunoglobulin E which helps signal the release of histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandin and cytokines which are proteins that promote vasodilation and hyperactivity in mucus-producing goblet cells (Murdoch & Lloyd 27). Prostaglandin causes the smooth muscles in the airway to constrict. Along with vasodilation and increased mucus production, bronchial constriction ...
