Asthmais often resulting from an immune system that overreacts to a substance thats otherwise harmless.
Some may assume asthma is anautoimmune disease, but asthma is not considered autoimmune.
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Is Asthma a Problem of the Immune System?
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When your immune system sends out cytokines to protect you, an inflammatory response is started.
Inflammation is part of the immune response aimed to rid the body of harmful invaders.
Chronic Inflammation
When you have asthma, you always have at least some inflammation in your airways.
This makes them hyperresponsive, meaning theyre extrasensitive to triggers.
Asthma Is Different From Autoimmunity
Asthma and autoimmunity both involve an inappropriate response from the immune system.
However, the bang out of response is different.
In asthma, the immune system targets something foreign.
In autoimmunity, the immune system targets substances produced by the body itself (self-antigens).
This targeting attacks the body’s own cells and tissues.
Its an important line of research, though.
Intrinsic asthma is notoriously difficult to treat.
Identifying an autoimmune component could expand the scope of treatments for intrinsic asthma to help with disease management.
Respiratory infections are more common due to chronic inflammation, which allows pathogens to get into the respiratory system.
But some researchers suspect it may have to do with the immune systems memory.
When your immune system identifies a pathogen, it must figure out how to fight it.
Asthma also increases your risk of developing certain illnesses and of developing severe symptoms.
These include:
The added risk is likely due to asthma-related lung damage or weakened lung tissues.
Prevalence of Asthma
About 25 million people in the United States have asthma.
That’s about 1 in 13 people.
They lower the population of immune-system cells involved in the condition.
However, this means theyre suppressing your immune system.
It may then have a mild effect on your entire immune system.
This immunosuppression may cause mild side effects, such as slowing the healing of cuts or bruises.
Summary
Asthma involves an immune system that overreacts to normally harmless substances in your environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that involves immune-system dysfunction.
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