Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 10, 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

Association between allergy and asthma from childhood to middle adulthood in an Australian cohort study

R Wolfe1, J B Carlin, H Oswald

  • 1Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|December 9, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Childhood asthma and atopic conditions like eczema and hay fever are linked. Early atopic conditions increase the risk of severe asthma later in life, and childhood asthma severity correlates with later atopic conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Asthma and atopic conditions (eczema, hay fever) often coexist.
  • Longitudinal data on the association between childhood asthma and later atopic conditions are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term association between childhood asthma and the development/persistence of atopic conditions.
  • To quantify the relationship between childhood asthma severity and later atopic conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 378 children with asthma was followed from age 7 to 35 years.
  • Data on asthma severity, eczema, hay fever, and skin test reactivity were collected every 7 years.
  • Statistical analysis, including odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), was used to assess associations.

Main Results:

  • Childhood atopic conditions were associated with increased odds of more severe asthma later in life (e.g., eczema OR=1.66, hay fever OR=1.39, skin test reactivity OR=2.25).
  • Childhood asthma severity correlated with increased odds of developing eczema and hay fever later in life.
  • Significant associations were observed between childhood asthma and later atopic conditions, with quantitative measures provided.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood asthma and atopic conditions exhibit a significant bidirectional association throughout development into adulthood.
  • Early identification and management of atopic conditions in asthmatic children may be crucial for long-term asthma outcomes.
  • This study provides novel quantitative insights into the complex interplay between asthma and atopy over time.

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...
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: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of 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,...