Читать книгу Anti-Inflammatory Diet For Dummies - Artemis Morris - Страница 63

Inflammation plays an important role in the everyday functioning of the lungs. Think of all the bacteria, viruses, dust, and everything else floating through the air, and then think of yourself breathing it in. Small amounts of inflammation are at work throughout the day battling these particles, creating and using an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) to aid in breaking down the pollutants.

The lungs of people with asthma, however, overreact to these particles. The immune system mass-produces the IgE antibodies, which then attach to something called mast cells. Each time someone with asthma inhales the offending particles, the antibodies lock onto the invaders and cause the mast cells to release histamine and leukotrienes, which irritate the lining of the airways. The irritation causes the airways to spasm and constrict, making breathing difficult; the harder the person tries to breathe, the more irritated and constricted the airways become.

Atopy, or IgE reactions, is the greatest predisposing factor to developing asthma. Many people with asthma also have sensitivity to sulfites, which are found in certain foods and are used in wine-making and preserving dried fruit.

Asthma can be caused by a variety of factors that result in airway inflammation, and triggers for asthma attacks may be allergic or nonallergic. Allergic asthma, or extrinsic asthma, is triggered by allergens. Nonallergic asthma, or intrinsic asthma, can be triggered by anything but is not considered an allergic reaction.

Allergic triggers include the following:

 Cat or dog hair and saliva

 Dust mites, mold, or spores

 Pollen

Nonallergic triggers include the following:

 Smoke, smog, fumes

 Natural gas, cooking fuel

 Exercise

 Viral respiratory infections

 Weather changes, such as exposure to cold air