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Published on: August 7, 2017
Prevention of allergic respiratory disease in infants: current aspects and future perspectives
1Division of Cell Biology, Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. patrick@ichr.uwa.edu.au
Insights
Preventing severe atopic diseases like asthma in children is a growing research area. Early interventions targeting immune function and infections show promise for future prophylaxis strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Immunology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Severe atopic diseases, such as atopic asthma, are a significant concern in pediatric allergy.
- There is a growing research focus on the primary and secondary prevention of these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rationale behind preventive strategies for atopic diseases in children.
- To discuss recent advancements in the development and testing of potential preventive interventions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on preventive strategies for atopic diseases.
- Analysis of treatments targeting immune function, allergen-specific immunomodulation, and viral infections.
Main Results:
- Key areas of focus include enhancing general immune functions.
- Allergen-specific immunomodulation and managing respiratory viral infections in early childhood are crucial.
- Potential and existing treatments are being evaluated.
Conclusions:
- The scientific basis for prophylaxis of atopic diseases through early intervention in young children is strengthening.
- Significant progress in this field is anticipated in the near future.
Purpose Of Review:
Primary and secondary prevention of severe atopic disease exemplified by atopic asthma represents an increasingly prominent focus of research in paediatric allergy. We review below the rationale for this approach and recent progress in development and testing of a range of potential preventive strategies.
Recent Findings:
The principal areas reviewed relate to potential and currently available treatments targeting enhancement of overall immune functions, allergen-specific immunomodulation and respiratory viral infections, particularly during early childhood.
Summary:
The scientific rationale for prophylaxis of atopic diseases via early intervention strategies targeting young children is increasingly supported by findings from the experimental and clinical literature and significant progress may be expected in the mid-term future.
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