What is the purpose of leukotriene inhibitors?
More than 50 million Americans suffer from asthma and allergies. Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the United States, affecting 9 million (12.7%) of children. Seasonal allergies affect 20–40 million (20%) of Americans, about 40% of them children. It is estimated that 60–70% of those with asthma also suffer from allergic rhinitis, allergies affecting the mucous membranes of the nose. Asthma, an inflammation of the bronchial airways, and seasonal allergies and allergic rhinitis involve several chemical mediators including histamine and leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are a class of unsaturated fatty-acid chains containing 20 carbon atoms. During an asthma attack or within minutes of exposure to an allergen such as dust or pollen, leukotrienes are released by a type of blood cell in the lungs, causing the following responses: • contraction of the bronchial airway muscles • inflammation of the airway linings • swelling and narrowing of the airways • production of mucus and
