Relationship between bronchial hyperresponsiveness and lung function in children age 5 and 6 with and without asthma

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 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

Satoru Takami1, Hiroyuki Mochizuki, Reiko Muramatsu

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan. satorutkm@true.ocn.ne.jp

Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)
|January 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Preschool children who wheeze may have bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). Baseline respiratory resistance significantly impacts bronchial reactivity in children, but bronchial sensitivity cannot distinguish asthma from wheezing alone.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Allergy and Immunology

Background:

  • Wheezing in preschool children is common but poorly understood.
  • The relationship between bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and lung function in young children remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of BHR in wheezy children.
  • To identify lung function parameters correlated with BHR in children.
  • To differentiate asthmatic, non-asthmatic wheezers, and healthy children based on BHR and lung function.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 154 children aged 5-6 years was studied.
  • Participants were categorized into asthmatics, non-asthmatic wheezers, and healthy controls.
  • Spirometry and methacholine inhalation challenge using the oscillation method were performed.

Main Results:

  • Asthmatic and non-asthmatic wheezers showed lower minimal methacholine doses (bronchial sensitivity) compared to controls.
  • Bronchial reactivity, measured by the speed of bronchoconstriction, strongly correlated with baseline respiratory resistance (Rrs) across all groups.
  • No significant differences in height, weight, BMI, or baseline lung function were found between the groups.

Conclusions:

  • Bronchial sensitivity alone cannot reliably distinguish preschool children with asthma from those with non-asthmatic wheezing.
  • Baseline respiratory resistance significantly influences bronchial reactivity in children.
  • Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of wheezing and BHR in this age group.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 4, 2010

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults06:11

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults

Published on: February 9, 2022

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-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-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
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...