Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 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

Early life risk factors for current wheeze, asthma, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness at 10 years of age

S Hasan Arshad1, Ramesh J Kurukulaaratchy, Monica Fenn

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Newcastle Rd, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 6QG, UK. sha@soton.ac.uk

Chest
|February 12, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Early life asthma risk factors like parental asthma, infections, and smoke exposure influence childhood wheeze and asthma. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) has a narrower risk profile, indicating distinct developmental pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Wheeze and asthma are common childhood respiratory conditions with complex etiologies.
  • Understanding early life risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
  • Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is a key feature of asthma but may have different determinants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify early life factors (first 4 years) associated with wheeze, asthma, and BHR at age 10.
  • To compare the relative influence of these factors on wheeze, asthma, and BHR.
  • To elucidate the distinct risk profiles for wheeze/asthma versus BHR.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective whole-population birth cohort study of 1,456 subjects.
  • Data collected on genetic and environmental risk factors at birth, 1, 2, 4, and 10 years.
  • Outcomes (wheeze, asthma, BHR) assessed at age 10 using validated methods including bronchial challenge.

Main Results:

  • Early life wheeze associated with parental asthma, recurrent chest infections, atopy, eczema, and parental smoking.
  • Childhood asthma (CDA) linked to parental/sibling asthma, recurrent chest infections, atopy, parental smoking, and male gender.
  • Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) significantly associated with atopy and higher social class at birth.

Conclusions:

  • Asthmatic heredity, early atopy, passive smoke exposure, and infections are key drivers of childhood wheeze and asthma.
  • BHR at age 10 exhibits a more restricted risk profile compared to wheeze and asthma.
  • Findings suggest distinct etiological pathways for wheeze/asthma symptom expression versus BHR.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice09:58

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice

Published on: April 13, 2010

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: 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,...
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