Asthma and obesity in children: current evidence and potential systems biology approaches
Insights
Obesity and asthma in children share complex causes, but effective treatments are lacking. This review explores factors and research hypotheses for treating obese children with asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Obesity and asthma are prevalent childhood diseases with complex, multifactorial origins.
- The mechanistic interactions between childhood obesity and asthma are poorly understood, with limited evidence of causality.
- Effective treatment strategies for obese children with asthma are scarce, despite potential long-term health impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on the investigation and treatment of asthma in obese children.
- To compare approaches for obese asthmatic children with those for difficult-to-treat childhood asthma.
- To propose future research directions from a systems-based perspective.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of genetic, developmental, immunological, mechanical, and behavioral factors.
- Analysis of existing data on childhood asthma and obesity.
- Synthesis of evidence for clinical management and research hypotheses.
Main Results:
- Multiple factors contribute to the obesity-asthma link in children, but causality remains unclear.
- Current treatment strategies for obese asthmatic children are not well-defined.
- Significant gaps exist in understanding the interplay between obesity and asthma in pediatric populations.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying childhood obesity and asthma.
- Developing targeted and effective treatment strategies for obese children with asthma is a critical unmet need.
- A systems-based approach is recommended for future research to address this complex comorbidity.
Abstract:
Both obesity and asthma are highly prevalent, complex diseases modified by multiple factors. Genetic, developmental, lung mechanical, immunological and behavioural factors have all been suggested as playing a causal role between the two entities; however, their complex mechanistic interactions are still poorly understood and evidence of causality in children remains scant. Equally lacking is evidence of effective treatment strategies, despite the fact that imbalances at vulnerable phases in childhood can impact long-term health. This review is targeted at both clinicians frequently faced with the dilemma of how to investigate and treat the obese asthmatic child and researchers interested in the topic. Highlighting the breadth of the spectrum of factors involved, this review collates evidence regarding the investigation and treatment of asthma in obese children, particularly in comparison with current approaches in 'difficult-to-treat' childhood asthma. Finally, the authors propose hypotheses for future research from a systems-based perspective.
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