Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Determinants in early life for asthma development

Hugo P S Van Bever1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, National University Singapore, Singapore, 119260, Singapore. paevbhps@nus.edu.sg

Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology : Official Journal of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|December 18, 2009
PubMed

Insights

No reliable newborn screening test for bronchial asthma (BA) exists due to its complexity. Key risk factors include family history, smoking exposure, prematurity, and early allergic signs, known as the Allergic March.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Allergology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Bronchial asthma (BA) is a complex respiratory condition with varied underlying mechanisms.
  • A definitive screening test for predicting BA development in newborns is currently unavailable.
  • Numerous risk factors contribute to BA, including genetic predisposition and environmental exposures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review identified risk factors for bronchial asthma (BA) in newborns.
  • To highlight the significance of early allergy markers and family history in BA prediction.
  • To underscore the need for improved newborn screening methods for BA.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies identifying risk factors for bronchial asthma (BA).
  • Analysis of established risk factors such as family history, environmental exposures, and prematurity.
  • Examination of early indicators of allergic disease (the Allergic March).

Main Results:

  • Identified risk factors include positive family history of BA, passive smoking, prematurity, and early viral infections like RSV-bronchiolitis.
  • An atopic constitution is a major risk factor for persistent BA.
  • Early symptoms and markers of allergy, alongside a positive family history for allergies, are significant predictors.

Conclusions:

  • The complexity of BA hinders the development of a universal screening test.
  • Recognizing the 'Allergic March' and family history of allergies is crucial for identifying at-risk infants.
  • Further research is needed to develop reliable screening tools for early BA detection.

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-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: 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 I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma