Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 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

Relation of early childhood growth and wheezing phenotypes to adult lung function

Duane L Sherrill1, Stefano Guerra, Anne L Wright

  • 1Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA. dls3@email.arizona.edu

Pediatric Pulmonology
|April 27, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Rapid weight gain in early childhood (3-6 years) is linked to better adult lung function (FVC and FEV1), but only if children do not experience early wheezing illnesses.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Respiratory Health
  • Growth and Development
  • Pulmonary Function Assessment

Background:

  • Childhood growth patterns and birth size are linked to adult pulmonary function.
  • Early life weight gain may influence long-term lung health.
  • Understanding wheezing phenotypes is crucial for assessing these associations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between early life weight gain (birth-6 years) and adult lung function (FVC and FEV1).
  • To determine if early childhood wheezing phenotypes modify this association.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective birth cohort study (Tucson Children's Respiratory Study).
  • Weight measured quarterly up to age 3, and at age 6.
  • Pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1) assessed at ages 16 and 22.
  • Longitudinal models used to analyze predictors of lung function.

Main Results:

  • Positive association found between weight gain rate (3-6 years) and adult FVC at ages 16 and 22.
  • This association was absent in children with early wheezing illnesses (first 3 years).
  • Similar trends observed for FEV1.

Conclusions:

  • The rate of weight gain between 3 and 6 years is significantly associated with adult FVC and FEV1.
  • Early wheezing phenotypes modify the relationship between childhood weight gain and adult lung function.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique13:10

Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique

Published on: May 15, 2013

Related Concept Videos

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: Introduction01:28

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 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...
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...