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Viral respiratory tract infections and asthma in early life: cause and effect?

K J Mackenzie, S M Anderton, J Schwarze

    Clinical and Experimental Allergy : Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology
    |December 21, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    Severe respiratory viral infections in early life may increase asthma risk, potentially by driving allergic sensitization. This review explores the complex interplay between viral infections and asthma development.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
    • Immunology
    • Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Viral respiratory tract infections are common in infancy and childhood.
    • Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory disease in children.
    • The relationship between early-life viral infections and subsequent asthma is complex and not fully understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the evidence on the interaction between viral respiratory infections and asthma development.
    • To explore whether severe early-life viral infections predispose to asthma or indicate an underlying allergic predisposition.
    • To discuss how viral infections might drive allergic sensitization and influence asthma exacerbations.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of existing studies on viral respiratory infections and asthma.
    • Analysis of factors such as age and severity of infection in the viral-asthma interaction.
    • Discussion of current research and potential therapeutic strategies.

    Main Results:

    • Evidence suggests a link between severe early-life viral infections and increased risk of asthma development.
    • Viral infections may play a role in allergic sensitization, contributing to asthma pathogenesis.
    • Factors like age at infection and viral load influence the impact on asthma.

    Conclusions:

    • Early-life viral respiratory infections are significant factors in asthma development and exacerbation.
    • Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies.
    • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and optimize interventions.

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