The mode of action of anticholinergics in asthma

What is it about?

Asthma is a long-term condition in which sensitive airways react with a trigger to become narrower and inflamed; it can also lead to a build-up of mucus. This causes chest tightness, wheezing or coughing, and makes it difficult to breathe. Acetylcholine is one of the main chemical messengers in the airways, and plays a key role in causing asthma. Anticholinergics are drugs that block the effects of acetylcholine and cause the narrow airways to open. Recent studies have found more information on how acetylcholine causes asthma. Additional information on how anticholinergics block acetylcholine has also been found. This review first looks at this latest information on acetylcholine’s role in causing asthma, focusing on how it affects the airways. Secondly, new findings into how anticholinergics work and how they can improve asthma will be summarised. Finally, information on the clinical trials of long-acting anticholinergics in asthma will be reviewed.

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