While asthma is often perceived simply as difficulty catching one's breath, modern medicine views it as an outcome of complex systemic disruptions. Corresponding to the Donguibogam's view of the lung as the canopy of the lungs, modern physiology confirms that the lung is an intricate organ closely linked with the immune system, nervous system, and endocrine system.
The primary mechanisms of asthma are bronchial hyperresponsiveness and chronic inflammation. When environmental allergens such as house dust mites, pollen, or pet dander, or irritants such as cold air, fine dust, and cigarette smoke enter the bronchus, the immune system mounts an exaggerated response. Inflammatory cells, including eosinophils and mast cells, release inflammatory mediators like histamine and leukotriene. These substances cause swelling of the bronchial mucosa, increase mucus secretion, and constrict the smooth muscle surrounding the bronchus, narrowing the airway. As described in classical texts as qi surging upward in reverse, this narrowed airway restricts airflow, resulting in breathlessness and wheezing.
The nervous system also plays a substantial role. The autonomic nervous system innervates the bronchus, balancing sympathetic nerve and parasympathetic nerve input. In people with asthma, parasympathetic nerve activity often predominates, promoting bronchial constriction and mucus production. Stress or poor sleep at night can further elevate parasympathetic tone, exacerbating symptoms. For this reason, emotional calm and sufficient rest remain central to asthma management.
In addition, lung health extends beyond the respiratory organ alone. In line with the classical understanding of the lung as the root of qi, modern medicine recognizes the lung as essential for supplying oxygen and supporting blood circulation, systemic metabolism, and energy production. When lung function is compromised, diminished oxygen delivery can contribute to chronic fatigue, low vitality, and decreased immunity. Asthma is therefore not an isolated airway concern, but a condition reflecting the combined state of lung function, systemic immune balance, and autonomic nervous regulation.
