Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
09:58

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

Published on: April 13, 2010

Relationship between bronchial hyperresponsiveness and impaired lung function after infantile asthma

Christophe Delacourt1, Marie-Rose Benoist, Muriel Le Bourgeois

  • 1Laboratoire d'Explorations Fonctionnelles Respiratoires, Service de Pneumologie et Allergologie Pédiatriques, Hôpital des Enfants Malades, Paris, France. christophe.delacourt@chicreteil.fr

Plos One
|November 15, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Infantile asthma linked to persistent wheezing and impaired lung function. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in infants predicts future lung function decline, suggesting early airway remodeling in childhood asthma.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Asthma Research
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Infant wheezing is associated with diminished pulmonary function.
  • Asthma in children can lead to long-term respiratory issues.
  • Early identification of risk factors is crucial for managing childhood asthma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and progressive pulmonary function impairment in asthmatic infants.
  • To identify predictors of persistent wheezing and long-term lung function in a cohort of asthmatic children.
  • To explore the role of BHR in early airway remodeling in infantile asthma.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 129 wheezing infants followed until age 9.
  • Regular assessments included physical exams, lung function tests, and methacholine challenge tests.
  • Data analyzed to correlate BHR, clinical symptoms, parental atopy, and pulmonary function over time.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-nine percent of infants experienced persistent wheezing until age 9.
  • Early BHR predicted altered lung function but not persistent wheezing.
  • Persistent wheezing was linked to BHR and impaired lung function by age 5, indicating early airway remodeling.

Conclusions:

  • Persistent wheezing from infancy to age 9 is associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness and impaired lung function.
  • Bronchial hyperresponsiveness is a significant predictor of impaired lung function in children.
  • Findings suggest early airway remodeling in infantile asthma, highlighting the need for early intervention.

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-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.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, 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 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,...