Dr Himender K Makker

Asthma is characterised by the inflammationThe body’s response to injury. of airways. The inflamed airways look swollen and red on direct inspection with a fibreoptic bronchoscope and on microscopic examination are infiltrated with inflammatory cells, have damaged epithelial lining, excessive mucus production and leaky bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. vessels. These inflammatory changes cause narrowing of airways and exaggerated response (bronchial hyper- reactivity) to various inhaled irritants, infections and allergens (triggers) leading to further narrowing of airways.