Patient/caregiver was instructed upon chemical mediators causing exacerbation of asthma and COPD as follows:
- Chemical mediators called leukotrienes are increasingly produced from various cells, such as, mast cells and eosinophils, during inflammatory and allergic responses involving the airways.
- Inflammatory and allergic states involving the airways include conditions such as, activation of seasonal allergies, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
- Leukotrienes act on leukotriene receptors located in the airways, resulting in edema and swelling of airways and increased secretion of thick mucus.
- This contributes to reduced airway patency, bronchoconstriction, and spasm of airway smooth muscle.
- Airway constriction results in exacerbation of symptoms of asthma and COPD, leading to increased shortness of breath and effort of breathing.
