Patient was educated on chemical mediators of asthma as follows:

1. During an asthmatic response, some chemical mediators are released from cells involved in this response.
2. Cells called mast cells are present in the mucosa on the respiratory airways.
3. When the mast cells are exposed to the appropriate allergens, some chemicals, such as, histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins are released from the mast cells.
4. These chemical mediators cause responses, such as, contraction of smooth muscle in the airways, swelling of the mucous membranes of the airways, and increased mucous production.
5. These responses lead to signs and symptoms of asthma, such as, wheezing, extreme shortness of breath, and chest tightness.