Over 25 million Americans suffer from a condition called asthma. Asthma is a condition that causes the airways to become inflamed, which makes it very hard to breathe due to an allergic reaction or sensitivity. Some asthma symptoms are shortness of breath and wheezing, tightness in chest causing pain, and trouble sleeping because of struggling to breathe. Most cases of asthma can be managed with treatment. Asthma can be very serious or even fatal.

The nervous system plays a vital role in the airway muscle contraction. Neurons control the brain and lungs, but if the vagus nerve irritation is damaged, then it can cause the lungs hyper reactivity. This hyperactivity then can cause spasms, which in turn becomes an asthma attack. Due to these factors it is of reasonable belief that asthma may be a nervous system response:

1. Asthma is a nervous system response
Based on studies conducted with mice, it is believed that stimulation of specific nerve receptors by allergens causes inflammation in the lungs, which in turn releases chemicals that cause further symptoms such as shortness of breath. It is believed that by using medications that make the (TRPV1) nerve receptor inactive, you may eliminate the asthma symptoms.

2. Carotid bodies may cause asthma attacks
According to another study, it is thought that carotid bodies could be responsible for some asthma attacks. These neurons are responsible for telling your mind when or how much to breathe. The carotid body neurons narrow the airways during an attack. It is believed in recent studies that visiting a chiropractor for a spine alignment can help tremendously with asthma sufferers. A spine alignment can help straighten out affected nerves that control the respiratory part of the body, which can help the neurons start to heal.

3. Nerve density
Another possible contributor to asthmatic symptoms could be the nerve density in the lungs. Some researchers concluded that asthma patients often show a development of new nerves in the airways. With this higher density of nerves, it can result in nerve irritation, overreactions, etc. causing asthma flare-ups. It is not known yet; rather, or not this expansion of nerves in the lungs can be prevented or even reversed once it occurs.

4. Unknown factors at play
Although there are several factors, including some unknown that play a role in asthma, it is fair to say the nervous system is a factor that needs to be considered. Ultimately more research has to be conducted in order to determine if the knowledge that has been acquired in regards to the nervous system can be used for preventive and treatment. In recent years 3D airway remodeling has provided a clearer picture of what is occurring in the lungs of an asthmatic, however, it appears that we are still quite some time away from a clear answer on causes and prevention of asthma.