Murray Dworetzky, M.D., F.A.C.P.
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The mechanism by which infection in the bronchial tree aggravates asthma is still unclear. The irritating effects of the bacterial products and the mechanical obstruction produced by the infected secretion may cause bronchospasm, edema of the mucosa, and obstruction to the point of rendering the patient intractable. In addition, there may be an underlying allergic reaction to the bacterial proteins, which, like other proteins, are capable of antibody response and are therefore potentially allergenic.
Whatever the mechanism, the most common factor responsible for intractability of asthma is the presence of infection in the paranasal sinuses and respiratory tract. Production of
Dworetzky M. Role of Infection in Asthma.. Ann Intern Med. 1967;66:1026. doi: https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-66-5-1026_2
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© 2020
Published: Ann Intern Med. 1967;66(5):1026.
DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-66-5-1026_2
Asthma, Infectious Disease, Pulmonary/Critical Care.
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