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Published on: November 4, 2010

The natural history of asthma from childhood to adulthood

M S Koh1, L B Irving

  • 1Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia. kohsiyue@yahoo.com.sg

International Journal of Clinical Practice
|July 14, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Childhood asthma prognosis is predictable. Early anti-inflammatory treatment may prevent disease progression, with most mild cases resolving or remaining episodic into adulthood.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Pulmonology
  • Allergy & Immunology

Background:

  • Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children.
  • Prognosis and long-term outcomes for childhood asthma are of significant interest to medical practitioners.
  • Understanding the natural history of childhood asthma is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the natural history of childhood asthma.
  • To identify factors influencing the prognosis of pediatric asthma.
  • To discuss the predictability of asthma severity evolution in children.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on the natural history of childhood asthma.
  • Analysis of factors affecting asthma prognosis in pediatric populations.
  • Evaluation of evidence regarding asthma severity progression.

Main Results:

  • Asthma severity evolution in childhood is generally predictable.
  • Key predictors of adult asthma include childhood severity, duration, atopy, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and smoking exposure.
  • Most children with mild intermittent asthma achieve remission or experience mild, episodic symptoms in adulthood.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood asthma prognosis can be predicted by several factors.
  • Early initiation of anti-inflammatory therapies, such as inhaled corticosteroids, may halt disease progression.
  • Mild childhood asthma often leads to good functional outcomes and minimal healthcare utilization in adulthood.

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