Excessive airway nerves linked to severe asthma in study
Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Excessive nerves in the airways are a factor in heightened sensitivity and airway constriction in patients with asthma, according to a study. The research is the first study to determine that inflammatory cells can alter nerve structure in the lungs that cause the disease. Scientists at the Oregon Health & Science University published their findings Wednesday in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Asthma is characterized by airway obstruction, inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. Airway nerves help regulate airway constriction when inhaled particles, such as pollen and smoke, are sensed in the environment. With asthma, these nerves become more sensitive, which causes patients to develop symptoms of wheezing and cough. Although two-thirds of patients with asthma ...