[Nedocromil sodium--the influence on allergic inflammation].

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of airways which is associated with airway hyperresponsiveness clinically manifested by diurnal variations of peak expiratory flow (PEF), impaired lung function and recurrent symptoms. The specific role of mast cells--the key effector cells involved in the inflammation occurring in milder forms of the disease is discussed. According to the GINA guidelines inhaled nedocromil sodium is one of the medications recommended as the preferred choice in the treatment of mild persistent asthma. There is also opinion that nedocromil sodium (NS) plays a role as an early therapeutic intervention. Recent data suggest its efficiency in the controlling the symptoms of a mild asthma. NS has been shown to inhibit the immediate release of mediators from mast cells and sensory nerve activation. NS blocks chloride channels involved in cell activation and in this mechanism it may influence inflammatory cells and consequently inhibit, bronchospasm, cough and wheezing. As it is known, nedocromil sodium can reverse the clinical features of airway inflammation in asthma. It decreases the severity of symptoms, diurnal variation of PEF, bronchial hyper responsiveness as well as improves pulmonary function.