Bronchial asthma is a disease characterized by chronic irritation of the respiratory tract and respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest congestion and cough, which are time-varying. The development of bronchial asthma can be initiated by household dust, animal hair, feathers in pillows, and household chemicals. The most studied allergens that cause bronchial asthma include house dust mites. Asthma pathogenetic mechanism presents an alteration in the sensitivity and reactivity of the bronchi, influenced by the reaction of the patency of the bronchi in response to the effects of physical and pharmacological factors (VanMeter & Hubert, 2021). Asthma produces IgE antibodies and Class E immunoglobulins (reagins) able to attach themselves to the surface of cells and basophils of the skin and mucous membranes. Therefore, repeated contact of IgE with an antigen occurs on the surface of these cells, which leads to the extrication of vasoactive substances such as histamine, serotonin, heparin, and the development of clinical manifestations of a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction.
A child aged 7 complains of cough and contraction in the chest that manifest themselves at night or in early hours in the morning. Diagnostically, hyperreactivity of the bronchial tree has been established and the child’s analyses showed the presence of specific IgE antibodies. With auscultation, hard or weakened breathing is heard accompanied by a large number of dry whistling wheezes. The child’s mother notes the child’s severe allergic reactions to pollen and the fur of domestic animals. These reactions manifest themselves by a short inhalation and an extended exhalation, followed by audible wheezing. The family lives near the cement factory, in an industrial district of the city.
Reference
VanMeter, K. C., & Hubert, R. J. (2021). Microbiology for the healthcare professional-e-book. Elsevier Health Sciences.