Pathogenesis of Asthma: Theories of Asthma Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis of allergenic asthma has been described in two pathogenetic theories (Fig 1). The direct theory is derived from the original observations of allergists that some patients with allergic rhinitis, especially children, have atopic bronchospasm as well. Specific IgE-antibody is fixed to airways, and bivalent linking with specific antigen-E (pollen, dander) results in initiation of the synthesis and secretion of mediators of inflammation by respiratory mast cells. Histamine and other mediators cause bronchoconstriction by