Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 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

[Involvement of distal airways in asthma: lessons from pediatric cohorts]

C Delacourt1, J-C Dubus, J de Blic

  • 1Service de Pédiatrie, CHI de Créteil, France.

Revue Des Maladies Respiratoires
|March 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric asthma can cause lasting lung function impairment, especially when starting early or persisting. Further research is needed on distal airway issues and treatment effectiveness in children with asthma.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Asthma Research

Context:

  • Asthma significantly impacts children's distal airways, particularly in early-onset or persistent cases.
  • Factors like in utero smoke exposure, sensitization, and hyperresponsiveness worsen respiratory outcomes.
  • Airway impairment may persist even after symptom resolution and is often unresponsive to standard inhaled corticosteroids.

Purpose:

  • To highlight the significant impairment of distal airways in pediatric asthma.
  • To identify key factors contributing to unfavorable respiratory function outcomes in children with asthma.
  • To underscore the limited responsiveness of distal airway alterations to conventional therapies.

Summary:

  • Early-onset and persistent childhood asthma are linked to significant distal airway dysfunction.
  • In utero tobacco smoke exposure, sensitization, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness are major risk factors for poor respiratory outcomes.
  • Distal airway changes in pediatric asthma may result from early remodeling or suboptimal drug delivery, persisting despite treatment.

Impact:

  • This research emphasizes the need for further investigation into the long-term clinical consequences of distal airway involvement in pediatric asthma.
  • Evaluating the impact of various treatment strategies on distal airway function is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
  • Understanding these factors can lead to more targeted and effective interventions for children with asthma.
Abstract

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:
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 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-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...