DESCRIPTION
This lecture presents peer-reviewed literature noting the significant increase in the occurrence of asthma and the consequences of this increase. Medical classifications of asthma, common treatment, and etiologies are discussed. Extensive literature surrounding the role of mast cells in asthma is presented with a discussion of the mechanisms of mast cell degranulation and aggregation. This discussion includes the role of the innervation of mast cells by the sympathetic nervous system and related reflexes originating at hypomobile spinal joints.