Bronchoprovocation testing in asthma.
Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is an important feature of asthma and is useful in diagnosis, monitoring, and prognostication. It probably represents inherent elements of the disease process such as genetic predisposition, airway inflammation, and airway remodeling. Airway inflammation likely accounts for the variable component of BHR, whereas the persistent component of BHR correlates significantly with structural changes in the airway, such as basement membrane thickness and epithelial damage. It might be this component that is resistant or refractory to the effects of available interventions. A few trials of immunomodulatory therapy have shown considerable improvements in markers of airway inflammation, without significantly modifying airway reactivity. Interventions to impact the more permanent feature of BHR are needed.
Covar
Ronina A
RA
Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson Street (J316), Denver, CO 80206, USA. covarr@njc.org
D000249:Adenosine Monophosphate / Q000494:pharmacology; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015415:Biomarkers; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D000249:Adenosine Monophosphate