What is the main effect of mast cell stabilizers in respiratory therapy?

Mast cell stabilizers primarily work by preventing the release of histamines and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells. Mast cells are immune cells that play a crucial role in allergic responses and asthma. When they degranulate, they release histamine, leukotrienes, and other substances that contribute to bronchoconstriction, increased mucus production, and airway inflammation.

By stabilizing these mast cells and inhibiting their degranulation, mast cell stabilizers effectively reduce the overall allergic response in the airways. This makes them particularly useful in managing allergic asthma and preventing exercise-induced bronchospasm. The prevention of histamine release is the key therapeutic action that underlies the efficacy of these medications in respiratory therapy.