In individuals with asthma, what is a common effect of histamine on mucus glands?

In individuals with asthma, histamine plays a significant role in the inflammatory response, which contributes to the symptoms of the condition. Histamine is released during an allergic response and acts on specific receptors in the body, leading to various physiological effects. One of the primary effects of histamine is the stimulation of mucus glands in the airways, resulting in increased mucus secretion.

In the context of asthma, this excessive mucus production can contribute to airway obstruction, making it difficult for individuals to breathe. The heightened presence of mucus can also trap allergens and irritants, but when produced in excess, it leads to further narrowing of the airways and can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

Thus, the correct understanding is that histamine increases mucus secretion, which is a common occurrence in asthma and contributes to the characteristic challenges faced by patients, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.