Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 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

Paternal history of asthma and airway responsiveness in children with asthma

Benjamin A Raby1, Kristel Van Steen, Juan C Celedón

  • 1Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA. benjamin.raby@channing.harvard.edu

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|June 7, 2005
PubMed

Insights

A father's history of asthma is linked to greater airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in children with asthma. This suggests a genetic influence from the father on AHR, a key factor in childhood asthma severity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Genetics of Asthma
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • The link between parental asthma history and children's airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is not well understood.
  • Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a critical factor in childhood asthma severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between parental asthma history and AHR in children with asthma.
  • To analyze genetic contributions to AHR in pediatric asthma patients.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from 1,041 children with asthma in the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP).
  • Performed methacholine challenge testing annually over 4.5 years to assess AHR (PC20).
  • Employed cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, adjusting for confounders, to model the relationship between parental asthma history and AHR.

Main Results:

  • A paternal history of asthma was significantly associated with greater AHR at baseline and longitudinally.
  • Children with two parents with asthma exhibited significantly higher AHR compared to those with no parental history.
  • Maternal asthma history alone did not show a significant association with AHR.

Conclusions:

  • Paternal genetic contribution appears to play a significant role in the development of AHR in children with asthma.
  • Understanding these genetic links can inform strategies for managing childhood asthma severity.
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: 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-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-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 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-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes: