Did you know that asthma is one of the most common forms of chronic inflammatory lung disease? The standard for treatment is generally medication often paired with an inhaler. Although these two things are utilized to help control asthma symptoms, scientific findings show there is a better way to treat asthma. Research indicates that medications used to treat asthma target the exact neurons that lead to your lungs.

This is good news for those who suffer from asthma. It is believed that wheezing and coughing stem from an immune system that is overactive. Researchers have discovered that targeting the neurons is the best way to shut those symptoms down. Here’s how the nervous system holds the key to treating asthma:

1. Medication that targets specific neurons
Utilizing medicines that target neurons that start at the brain and reach to the lungs may reduce symptoms of asthma. These triggers may include plants, seasonal allergies, or other triggers like perfumes or even certain foods. Children may often show early signs of asthma when they begin to cough after running, or during play time. Although inhalers are typically used in this case, they don’t impact the specific neurons that are associated with the lungs. There is still much research to be done.

2. Seasonal allergies affect the brain
Seasonal allergies and hay fever may produce a stuffy nose, but they also affect the brain. Scientists conducted a study regarding seasonal allergies and how the neurons controlling the lungs work when seasonal allergies hit. The research showed that the neurons become overactive. The research also indicated that the hippocampus is deeply impacted by these allergies. Upon the allergic reaction new neurons were developed. This means that those who suffer from seasonal allergies could potentially experience an impact on their memory. Although this research was carried out on mice, it’s a good indicator of what happens to the human brain when seasonal allergies are their peak.

3. TRPV1-expressing nerve cells are critical
A study of the TRPV1-expressing nerve cells may hold the key to the answer. Watching these cells at work indicates the substance released by the cells once asthma has been triggered.This substance is released in the lungs of individuals who have asthma causing inflammation in the lungs. As a result it is easy to see that these cells communicate between the immune system and the neurons that control the lungs. The cells sphingosine 1 phosphate plays a vital role in cellular processes when it comes to inflammation. If this is true and the researchers can repeat this activity, they know that medications can be developed to help reduce the symptoms and reactions to asthma triggers.

4. Allergies promote neurogenesis
A fascinating piece of research on allergies and the brain indicates that allergies promote neurogenesis. This process is the growth of new nervous tissue in the hippocampus. This means that those who suffer from allergic reactions like allergic rhinitis, are developing new brain tissue. This growth and development of nervous tissue declines with age, so allergies may be somewhat beneficial.