Immunologic aspects of asthma.
Asthma often, but not always, is the result of an IgE-mediated allergic reaction to an airborne antigen. The chain of biochemical reactions is now fairly well defined. These reactions generate an immediate smooth muscle bronchoconstriction and a late inflammation 4 to 24 hours later. This article describes the most important allergens in the community, home and workplace, and discusses procedures for diagnosis and management.
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D006636:Histamine Release; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D012882:Skin Tests
D000485:Allergens; D000941:Antigens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D001507:Beclomethasone; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium