[Late reaction in asthma]

Abstract

In addition to an immediate bronchoconstrictive reaction, about half of patients with allergen-induced bronchial asthma have a second, delayed and more prolonged obstructive response after inhalation of allergen. This late response is more difficult to treat than the immediate bronchoconstriction and is associated with inflammatory changes in the bronchial walls, an increase in bronchial responsiveness and increased severity of asthmatic symptoms for days or weeks. Therefore, mechanisms leading to late responses may play a central role in the pathophysiology of asthma. Pathogenetic mechanisms, pathology and pharmacology of the late response are discussed.