title: Respiratory infections and asthma.
abstract: Airway responsiveness is increased during respiratory virus infections, both in subjects with asthma and without underlying pulmonary disease. Furthermore, the airway hyperresponsiveness is altered for a prolonged period of time, weeks or months after the viral illness has subsided. This article reviews the possible mechanisms of virus-associated airway hyperresponsiveness, including the complex interplay of IgE-dependent reactions, changes in autonomic nervous system function and inflammation, epithelial damage, effects of viruses on the cellular immune response, and enhanced late-phase response.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison.
authors.forename: U S
authors.initials: US
authors.lastname: Björnsdottir
authors.forename: W W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Busse
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents