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Virus infections, wheeze and asthma.

Nicola M Wilson1

  • 1Department of Respiratory Paediatrics, Chelsea Wing, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, SW3 6NP, London, UK. n.wilson@rbh.nthames.nhs.uk

Paediatric Respiratory Reviews
|July 26, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Viral infections can trigger wheezing in children, but their role in asthma development is debated. Early airway issues cause temporary symptoms, while immune system changes influence long-term asthma risk.

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Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Infectious Disease Immunology

Background:

  • Viral infections are primary triggers for childhood wheeze and asthma, yet their precise role remains controversial.
  • Distinguishing between early, transient virus-induced wheeze and persistent asthma linked to airway inflammation is challenging.
  • The impact of early infections on immune system maturation, particularly T-cell responses, is complex and incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the controversial role of viral infections in the development and exacerbation of childhood asthma.
  • To investigate the interplay between pre-existing airway abnormalities, viral infections, and immune responses in asthma pathogenesis.
  • To differentiate the mechanisms underlying early childhood wheeze versus persistent asthma in response to viral triggers.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of prospective studies examining children's wheezing illnesses and asthma development.
  • Evaluation of immune system maturation, focusing on T-cell response development (Type 1 vs. Type 2).
  • Assessment of genetic factors and infection history influencing asthma outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Pre-existing airway abnormalities contribute to early, often transient, virus-induced wheeze.
  • Interaction between viral infections and airway inflammation leads to asthma exacerbations.
  • Genetic factors and infection load influence T-cell response maturation, impacting long-term asthma risk.

Conclusions:

  • The development of asthma involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, early life infections, and immune system modulation.
  • Prospective studies are crucial for resolving debates on the specific contributions of viral infections to asthma.
  • Understanding these mechanisms can inform strategies for preventing and managing childhood asthma.

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