New treatment for late asthma attacks

British scientists have discovered a new treatment for delayed asthma attacks which can occur several hours after exposure to allergens.

A team of scientists at Imperial College London showed in their study on rats and mice blocking sensory nerve functions may stop late asthmatic response

A typical early asthmatic response occurs within an hour of exposure to allergens such as chemicals, grass pollen or house-dust mites. However, after the primary attack, about 50 percent of the asthma patients experience delayed symptoms that causes difficulties in breathing for up to as long as 24 hours.

According to the hypothesis behind the study, the ”late phase”‌ symptoms occur because the allergen triggers sensory nerves in the airways that activate reflexes.

Theses reflexes also trigger other nerves that release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which causes spasm and narrowing of the airways, the scientists wrote in the journal Thorax.

"Many asthmatics have symptoms at night after exposure to allergens during the day, but until now we haven't understood how this late response is brought about," said Professor Maria Belvisi, from the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London, who led the study.

"Our study in animals suggests that anticholinergic drugs might help to alleviate these symptoms, and this is supported by the recent clinical data. We are seeking funding to see if these findings are reproduced in proof of concept clinical studies in asthmatics," she added.

Currently, doctors use steroids as the main treatments for asthma but these medications are not effective for all patients.

Some other studies have also showed that anti-cholinergics can improve symptoms and lung function in asthma patients.

The scientists hope that their findings may pave the way for identifying new treatments for people with asthma in the future.

Source: presstv.ir