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Published on: February 25, 2016
Evaluation of functional, autonomic and inflammatory outcomes in children with asthma
Evelim Leal de Freitas Dantas Gomes1, Dirceu Costa1
1Evelim Leal de Freitas Dantas Gomes, Rehabilitation Sciences, Physical Therapy Course, University Nove de Julho, São Paulo 01504-001, Brazil.
Insights
Childhood asthma involves airway inflammation and autonomic dysfunction. Non-pharmacological therapies aim to improve clinical control and reduce airway obstruction, enhancing functional capacity in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Childhood asthma is a prevalent respiratory condition marked by persistent airway inflammation.
- Chronic inflammation stems from imbalances in pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways and autonomic dysfunction.
- These factors contribute to sedentary lifestyles, impacting functional capacity and disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key neural, inflammatory, and functional mechanisms influencing pediatric asthma.
- To highlight the role of these mechanisms in disease pathogenesis and control.
- To discuss non-pharmacological therapeutic targets for asthma management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on neural, inflammatory, and functional aspects of childhood asthma.
- Analysis of mechanisms contributing to airway inflammation and autonomic dysfunction.
- Examination of the impact of lifestyle on asthma control and functional capacity.
Main Results:
- Identified critical neural and inflammatory pathways central to asthma development in children.
- Highlighted the significant role of autonomic dysfunction in asthma pathogenesis.
- Emphasized the link between sedentary behavior and reduced functional capacity in pediatric asthma patients.
Conclusions:
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effective asthma management in children.
- Non-pharmacological interventions, including non-invasive ventilation, can aid in controlling airway obstruction and hyperinflation.
- Addressing neural, inflammatory, and functional factors offers a comprehensive approach to improving clinical outcomes in childhood asthma.
Abstract:
Asthma is common in childhood. This respiratory disease is characterized by persistent inflammation of the airways even when the child is not in the throes of an attack. Chronic inflammation is caused by an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms as well as autonomic dysfunction, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis and control of this condition. The impact of these physiopathological aspects leads to inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle, which exerts an influence on functional capacity and control of the disease. The main objective of non-pharmacological therapy is the clinical control of asthma and the minimization of airway obstruction and hyperinflation during an attack. These factors can be controlled with noninvasive ventilation. The aim or the present review was to describe important neural, inflammatory and functional mechanisms that affect children with asthma.
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