Team of scientists discovers key cause of damage in asthma: promising advancement in treatment

A team of British scientists has achieved a significant breakthrough in understanding one of the most common and debilitating respiratory diseases: asthma. This group of researchers, affiliated with King's College London, has revealed a new cause behind the damage that the airways and lungs suffer in asthmatic patients during attacks. Until now, it had been overlooked that during an asthma attack, the cells lining the airways compress to the point of destruction, causing damage to their lining. This discovery, published in the journal Science, could have fundamental implications in the treatment of asthma, by breaking a vicious cycle if this effect can be prevented instead of treating its consequences. People with asthma are affected by heightened sensitivity in their airways that can be triggered by various factors, such as pollen, pets, and physical exercise. This sensitivity leads to inflammation in the airways, resulting in symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and a feeling of breathlessness. While there are drugs and inhalers that can reduce inflammation and keep the airways open, recurrent attacks can cause permanent damage, such as scarring and narrowing of the airways. During an asthma attack, the smooth muscle surrounding the airways contracts, known as bronchoconstriction, and this is where the damage to the airway lining occurs. The research team at King's College has extensively studied this process, both in mice and human lung tissue samples. Professor Jody Rosenblatt, the research leader, pointed out that bronchoconstriction during an asthma attack not only damages the airway lining but can also lead to chronic inflammation, scarring, and a predisposition to recurrent infections. In search of potential preventive treatments, scientists have identified gadolinium as a promising substance, at least in studies with mice. However, further research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy in humans, a process that could take several years. Dr. Samantha Walker, an asthma and lung expert in the UK, emphasized the importance of this discovery in exploring new therapeutic options that could benefit people with asthma who do not respond adequately to current treatments. Despite this advancement, Walker stressed the importance of asthmatic patients continuing to follow prescribed treatment and consulting a doctor if they experience persistent symptoms. Research in this field is crucial to finding new therapeutic alternatives that address the underlying causes of asthma and improve the quality of life for those living with this chronic respiratory disease.