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Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
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Published on: August 7, 2017

Comorbidities of asthma during childhood: possibly important, yet poorly studied

E P de Groot1, E J Duiverman, P L P Brand

  • 1Princess Amalia Children's Clinic, Isala Klinieken, 8000 GK, Zwolle, The Netherlands. e.p.de.groot@isala.nl

The European Respiratory Journal
|October 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Knowledge about childhood asthma comorbidities like obesity and allergic rhinitis is limited. Further research is crucial to understand their impact on pediatric asthma control and treatment effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Child Health

Background:

  • Asthma in adults frequently co-occurs with conditions such as obesity, gastro-oesophageal reflux, dysfunctional breathing, and mental health disorders.
  • Comorbidities significantly impact disease management and patient outcomes in adult asthma.
  • The landscape of comorbidities in childhood asthma remains largely under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current evidence on the prevalence, mechanisms, and treatment of common comorbidities in childhood asthma.
  • To highlight knowledge gaps and the urgent need for further research in pediatric asthma comorbidity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on asthma comorbidities in children.
  • Analysis of prevalence, pathomechanisms, and therapeutic strategies for each comorbidity.
  • Synthesis of current understanding and identification of research deficits.

Main Results:

  • The relationship between childhood obesity and asthma is unclear, and its effect on asthma severity is not well-studied.
  • Allergic rhinitis is common but its impact on childhood asthma severity requires investigation.
  • Dysfunctional breathing prevalence and treatment in pediatric asthma are unexamined.
  • Food allergies may worsen asthma reactions; depressive disorders are more prevalent but underdiagnosed/undertreated in children with asthma.
  • The role of gastro-oesophageal reflux in improving childhood asthma control is uncertain.

Conclusions:

  • Current knowledge regarding comorbidities in childhood asthma is sparse.
  • Further research is urgently needed to establish the prevalence and impact of these comorbidities.
  • Understanding the effects of comorbidity treatments on pediatric asthma control is critical for effective management.

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