-
The European Respiratory Journal Dec 2020This review of trends in worldwide asthma prevalence starts with defining how asthma prevalence is measured in populations and how it is analysed. Four population... (Review)
Review
This review of trends in worldwide asthma prevalence starts with defining how asthma prevalence is measured in populations and how it is analysed. Four population studies of asthma across at least two regions are described: European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS), the International Study of Wheezing in Infants (EISL), the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) and the World Health Survey (WHS). Two of these (ISAAC and WHS) covered all the regions of the world; each using its own standardised questionnaire-based methodology with cross-sectional study design, suitable for large populations. EISL (2005 and 2012) and ISAAC (1996-1997 and 2002-2003) have undertaken a second cross-sectional population survey from which trends are available: EISL in three centres in two countries; ISAAC 106 centres in 56 countries (13-14 year olds) and 66 centres in 37 countries (6-7 year olds). Key results from these studies are presented. Unfortunately, there is no new worldwide data outside of EISL since 2003. Global Burden of Disease estimates of asthma prevalence have varied greatly. Recent reliable worldwide data on asthma prevalence and trends is needed; the Global Asthma Network Phase I will provide this in 2021.
Topics: Asthma; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Prevalence; Respiratory Sounds; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 32972987
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02094-2020 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... Mar 2022Rhinovirus infections can cause wheezing illnesses in all age groups. In preschool children, rhinovirus infections frequently initiate acute wheezing illnesses. Children... (Review)
Review
Rhinovirus infections can cause wheezing illnesses in all age groups. In preschool children, rhinovirus infections frequently initiate acute wheezing illnesses. Children who wheeze with rhinoviruses are at increased risk to go on to develop asthma. Once asthma is established, rhinovirus infections are potent triggers for acute airway obstruction and exacerbations in children and adults. Paradoxically, for most individuals, rhinovirus infections commonly cause cold symptoms with little or no involvement of the lower airways. This paradox has led investigators to identify specific risk factors and mechanisms for rhinovirus wheezing, and this review will outline progress in 3 main areas. First, the 3 species of rhinoviruses have different patterns of infection and virulence. Second, personal factors such as lung function and immunity influence lower respiratory outcomes of rhinovirus infection. The mucosal immune response is critical, and the quality of the interferon response and allergic inflammation interacts to determine the risk for rhinovirus wheezing. Finally, rhinovirus infections can promote pathogen-dominated airway microbiota that increase the risk for wheezing. Although specific antivirals for rhinovirus are still not available, identifying risk factors for wheezing illnesses has provided several other potential targets and strategies for reducing the risk of rhinovirus-induced wheezing and exacerbations of asthma.
Topics: Adult; Antiviral Agents; Asthma; Child, Preschool; Communicable Diseases; Humans; Microbiota; Picornaviridae Infections; Respiratory Sounds; Rhinovirus
PubMed: 35074599
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.01.006 -
BMJ Paediatrics Open Apr 2022Asthma is the the most common chronic respiratory condition of childhood worldwide, with around 14% of children and young people affected. Despite the high prevalence,... (Review)
Review
Asthma is the the most common chronic respiratory condition of childhood worldwide, with around 14% of children and young people affected. Despite the high prevalence, paediatric asthma outcomes are inadequate, and there are several avoidable deaths each year. Characteristic asthma features include wheeze, shortness of breath and cough, which are typically triggered by a number of possible stimuli. There are several diagnostic challenges, and as a result, both overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of paediatric asthma remain problematic.Effective asthma management involves a holistic approach addressing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological management, as well as education and self-management aspects. Working in partnership with children and families is key in promoting good outcomes. Education on how to take treatment effectively, trigger avoidance, modifiable risk factors and actions to take during acute attacks via personalised asthma action plans is essential.This review aimed to provide an overview of good clinical practice in the diagnosis and management of paediatric asthma. We discuss the current diagnostic challenges and predictors of life-threatening attacks. Additionally, we outline the similarities and differences in global paediatric asthma guidelines and highlight potential future developments in care. It is hoped that this review will be useful for healthcare providers working in a range of child health settings.
Topics: Adolescent; Asthma; Child; Cough; Dyspnea; Humans; Prevalence; Respiratory Sounds
PubMed: 35648804
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001277 -
Seminars in Immunopathology Feb 2020Respiratory viral infections are the most important triggers of asthma exacerbations. Rhinovirus (RV), the common cold virus, is clearly the most prevalent pathogen... (Review)
Review
Respiratory viral infections are the most important triggers of asthma exacerbations. Rhinovirus (RV), the common cold virus, is clearly the most prevalent pathogen constantly circulating in the community. This virus also stands out from other viral factors due to its large diversity (about 170 genotypes), very effective replication, a tendency to create Th2-biased inflammatory environment and association with specific risk genes in people predisposed to asthma development (CDHR3). Decreased interferon responses, disrupted airway epithelial barrier, environmental exposures (including biased airway microbiome), and nutritional deficiencies (low in vitamin D and fish oil) increase risk to RV and other virus infections. It is intensively debated whether viral illnesses actually cause asthma. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading causative agent of bronchiolitis, whereas RV starts to dominate after 1 year of age. Breathing difficulty induced by either of these viruses is associated with later asthma, but the risk is higher for those who suffer from severe RV-induced wheezing. The asthma development associated with these viruses has unique mechanisms, but in general, RV is a risk factor for later atopic asthma, whereas RSV is more likely associated with later non-atopic asthma. Treatments that inhibit inflammation (corticosteroids, omalizumab) effectively decrease RV-induced wheezing and asthma exacerbations. The anti-RSV monoclonal antibody, palivizumab, decreases the risk of severe RSV illness and subsequent recurrent wheeze. A better understanding of personal and environmental risk factors and inflammatory mechanisms leading to asthma is crucial in developing new strategies for the prevention and treatment of asthma.
Topics: Asthma; Cadherin Related Proteins; Cadherins; Humans; Membrane Proteins; Respiratory Sounds; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses; Rhinovirus
PubMed: 31989228
DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00781-5 -
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health Oct 2022Globally, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children, and the association between severe RSV disease and... (Review)
Review
Globally, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children, and the association between severe RSV disease and later recurrent wheeze and asthma is well established. Whilst a causal link between RSV and wheeze/asthma is not yet proven, immunological evidence suggests skewing towards a Th2-type response, and dampening of IFN-γ antiviral immunity during RSV infection underpins airway hyper-reactivity in a subset of susceptible children after RSV infection. Age at primary RSV infection, viral co-infection and genetic influences may act as effect-modifiers. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality burden of RSV disease in children, there is currently no licensed vaccine. Recent advancements in RSV preventatives, including long-acting monoclonal antibodies and maternal vaccinations, show significant promise and we are on the cusp of a new era in RSV prevention. However, the potential impact of RSV preventatives on subsequent wheeze and asthma remains unclear. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures have disrupted the usual seasonality of RSV. Whilst this has posed challenges for health-care services it has also enhanced our understanding of RSV transmission. The near absence of RSV cases during the first year of the pandemic in the context of strict public health measures has provided a rare opportunity to study the impact of delayed age of primary RSV infection on asthma prevalence. In this review, we summarise current understanding of the association between RSV, recurrent wheeze and asthma with a focus on pathophysiology, preventative strategies and future research priorities.
Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antiviral Agents; Asthma; COVID-19; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Pandemics; Respiratory Sounds; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 36073299
DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16197 -
Viruses Jun 2019Rhinovirus (RV) is an RNA virus that causes more than 50% of upper respiratory tract infections in humans worldwide. Together with Respiratory Syncytial Virus, RV is one... (Review)
Review
Rhinovirus (RV) is an RNA virus that causes more than 50% of upper respiratory tract infections in humans worldwide. Together with Respiratory Syncytial Virus, RV is one of the leading causes of viral bronchiolitis in infants and the most common virus associated with wheezing in children aged between one and two years. Because of its tremendous genetic diversity (>150 serotypes), the recurrence of RV infections each year is quite typical. Furthermore, because of its broad clinical spectrum, the clinical variability as well as the pathogenesis of RV infection are nowadays the subjects of an in-depth examination and have been the subject of several studies in the literature. In fact, the virus is responsible for direct cell cytotoxicity in only a small way, and it is now clearer than ever that it may act indirectly by triggering the release of active mediators by structural and inflammatory airway cells, causing the onset and/or the acute exacerbation of asthmatic events in predisposed children. In the present review, we aim to summarize the RV infection's epidemiology, pathogenetic hypotheses, and available treatment options as well as its correlation with respiratory morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population.
Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Antiviral Agents; Asthma; Bronchiolitis; Child; Child Health; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Infant; Inflammation; Picornaviridae Infections; Respiratory Hypersensitivity; Respiratory Sounds; Rhinovirus; Serogroup; Viral Vaccines
PubMed: 31195744
DOI: 10.3390/v11060521 -
Lancet (London, England) May 2023Early-life severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection has been associated with the onset of childhood wheezing illnesses. However, the relationship between RSV...
BACKGROUND
Early-life severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection has been associated with the onset of childhood wheezing illnesses. However, the relationship between RSV infection during infancy and the development of childhood asthma is unclear. We aimed to assess the association between RSV infection during infancy and childhood asthma.
METHODS
INSPIRE is a large, population-based, birth cohort of healthy infants with non-low birthweight born at term between June and December, 2012, or between June and December, 2013. Infants were recruited from 11 paediatric practices across middle Tennessee, USA. We ascertained RSV infection status (no infection vs infection) in the first year of life using a combination of passive and active surveillance with viral identification through molecular and serological techniques. Children were then followed up prospectively for the primary outcome of 5-year current asthma, which we analysed in all participants who completed 5-year follow-up. Statistical models, which were done for children with available data, were adjusted for child's sex, race and ethnicity, any breastfeeding, day-care attendance during infancy, exposure to second-hand smoke in utero or during early infancy, and maternal asthma.
FINDINGS
Of 1946 eligible children who were enrolled in the study, 1741 (89%) had available data to assess RSV infection status in the first year of life. The proportion of children with RSV infection during infancy was 944 (54%; 95% CI 52-57) of 1741 children. The proportion of children with 5-year current asthma was lower among those without RSV infection during infancy (91 [16%] of 587) than those with RSV infection during infancy (139 [21%] of 670; p=0·016). Not being infected with RSV during infancy was associated with a 26% lower risk of 5-year current asthma than being infected with RSV during infancy (adjusted RR 0·74, 95% CI 0·58-0·94, p=0·014). The estimated proportion of 5-year current asthma cases that could be prevented by avoiding RSV infection during infancy was 15% (95% CI 2·2-26·8).
INTERPRETATION
Among healthy children born at term, not being infected with RSV in the first year of life was associated with a substantially reduced risk of developing childhood asthma. Our findings show an age-dependent association between RSV infection during infancy and childhood asthma. However, to definitively establish causality, the effect of interventions that prevent, delay, or decrease the severity of the initial RSV infection on childhood asthma will need to be studied.
FUNDING
US National Institutes of Health.
Topics: Female; Child; Infant; Humans; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Cohort Studies; Prospective Studies; Birth Cohort; Asthma; Respiratory Sounds; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37086744
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00811-5 -
The European Respiratory Journal Jun 2022In the pathogenesis of asthma in children there is a pivotal role for a type 2 inflammatory response to early life exposures or events. Interactions between infections,...
In the pathogenesis of asthma in children there is a pivotal role for a type 2 inflammatory response to early life exposures or events. Interactions between infections, atopy, genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures (such as farmyard environment, air pollution and tobacco smoke exposure) influence the development of wheezing illness and the risk of progression to asthma. The immune system, lung function and the microbiome in gut and airways develop in parallel, and dysbiosis of the microbiome may be a critical factor in asthma development. Increased infant weight gain and preterm birth are other risk factors for development of asthma and reduced lung function. The complex interplay between these factors explains the heterogeneity of asthma in children. Subgroups of patients can be identified as phenotypes, based on clinical parameters, or endotypes, based on a specific pathophysiological mechanism. Paediatric asthma phenotypes and endotypes may ultimately help to improve diagnosis of asthma, prediction of asthma development and treatment of individual children, based on clinical, temporal, developmental or inflammatory characteristics. Unbiased, data-driven clustering, using a multidimensional or systems biology approach may be needed to better define phenotypes. The present knowledge on inflammatory phenotypes of childhood asthma has now been successfully applied in the treatment with biologicals of children with severe therapy-resistant asthma, and it is to be expected that more personalised treatment options may become available.
Topics: Asthma; Child; Female; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Infant, Newborn; Phenotype; Premature Birth; Respiratory Sounds
PubMed: 34711541
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00731-2021 -
Revista Chilena de Pediatria Aug 2020Lung auscultation is an essential part of the physical examination for diagnosing respiratory diseases. The terminology standardization for lung sounds, in addition to... (Review)
Review
Lung auscultation is an essential part of the physical examination for diagnosing respiratory diseases. The terminology standardization for lung sounds, in addition to advances in their analysis through new technologies, have improved the use of this technique. However, traditional auscultation has been questioned due to the limited concordance among health professionals. Despite the revolu tionary use of new diagnostic tools of imaging and lung function tests allowing diagnostic accuracy in respiratory diseases, no technology can replace lung auscultation to guide the diagnostic process. Lung auscultation allows identifying those patients who may benefit from a specific test. Moreover, this technique can be performed many times to make clinical decisions, and often with no need for- complicated and sometimes unavailable tests. This review describes the current state-of-the-art of lung auscultation and its efficacy based on the current respiratory sound terminology. In addition, it describes the main evidence on respiratory sound concordance studies among health professionals and its objective analysis through new technology.
Topics: Adolescent; Auscultation; Child; Child, Preschool; Clinical Decision-Making; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Observer Variation; Pediatrics; Respiratory Sounds; Terminology as Topic
PubMed: 33399725
DOI: 10.32641/rchped.v91i4.1465 -
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine Mar 2021
Topics: Asthma; Auscultation; Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Respiratory Sounds
PubMed: 33648966
DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.88a.20198