Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
07:38
Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue
Published on: June 14, 2020
Childhood asthma and its relationship with tonsillar tissue
Ahmet Akcay1, Zeynep Tamay, Erol Dağdeviren
1Department of Pediatrics, Pamukkale School of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Pamukkale, Turkey. aahmetakcay@hotmail.com
Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology
|December 2, 2006
Summary
Frequent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy in school children may indicate a higher risk for asthma symptoms. This study in Denizli surveyed 2,000 children aged 4-17.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children.
- The role of upper airway conditions like tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy in pediatric asthma requires further investigation.
- Understanding these associations can inform early diagnosis and management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of asthma and asthma-related symptoms in school-aged children.
- To investigate the relationship between frequent tonsillitis, tonsillar hypertrophy, and asthma in this population.
- To identify potential risk factors for asthma among children.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,000 school children aged 4-17 years in Denizli.
- The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was utilized.
- Physical examinations assessed tonsil size, and data on frequent tonsillitis were collected.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of lifetime wheezing was 16.4%, 12-month wheezing was 6.2%, and doctor-diagnosed asthma was 1.7%.
- Frequent tonsillitis was reported in 19.9% of children, and tonsillar hypertrophy was found in 3.4%.
- Tonsillar hypertrophy showed a positive correlation with frequent tonsillitis, and both were significantly associated with asthma-related symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Frequent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy are associated with an increased risk of asthma-related symptoms in school-aged children.
- These upper airway conditions may serve as potential risk factors for pediatric asthma.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the causal mechanisms and clinical implications.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma 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...
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
01:26Asthma-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:
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:
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:29Asthma-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...
01:20Asthma: 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 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.