Lilah S. answered • 10/26/19
Tutor
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MD Candidate for Regents, AP Courses, and Medical Sciences
Asthma is an obstructive lung disease, whose pathogenesis is highlighted via two mechanisms:
Hyperresponsive bronchi --> reversible bronchoconstriction.
Smooth muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia.
Keep in mind that the bronchoconstriction is mediated via leukotrienes C4, D4, and E4. Therefore, administration of aspirin (irreversible COX 1 and COX 2 inhibitor) can shift the arachidonic acid towards the production of leukotrienes (causing exacerbation of symptoms).
