Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 16, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in infancy is an important risk factor for asthma and allergy at age 7

N Sigurs1, R Bjarnason, F Sigurbergsson

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Borâs Central Hospital, Borâs, Sweden. nele.sigurs@swipnet.se

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|May 12, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis in infancy significantly increases a child's risk for developing asthma and allergic sensitization by age seven. Early RSV infection impacts long-term respiratory and allergic health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Infant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is a common condition.
  • Previous studies indicated an increased risk of bronchial obstructive disease and allergic sensitization up to age 3 following severe RSV bronchiolitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term occurrences of bronchial obstructive disease and allergic sensitization at age 7(1/2) in children previously hospitalized for RSV bronchiolitis.
  • To identify risk factors associated with asthma and allergic sensitization in these children.

Main Methods:

  • Follow-up study of 140 children (47 with prior RSV hospitalization, 93 controls).
  • Evaluations included physical examination, skin prick tests, and serum IgE tests for common allergens.
  • Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Cumulative asthma prevalence was 30% in the RSV group vs. 3% in controls (p < 0.001).
  • Cumulative "any wheezing" prevalence was 68% in the RSV group vs. 34% in controls (p < 0.001).
  • Allergic sensitization was found in 41% of RSV children vs. 22% of controls (p = 0.039).
  • RSV bronchiolitis was the strongest independent risk factor for asthma (OR: 12.7) and allergic sensitization (OR: 2.4).

Conclusions:

  • Hospitalization for RSV bronchiolitis in infancy is strongly associated with the development of asthma and allergic sensitization by age 7(1/2).
  • Findings support the hypothesis that RSV infection influences the mechanisms underlying childhood asthma and allergy development.

More Related Videos

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...