[Obesity as a risk factor for complications during acute respiratory infections in children]

Loreto Fuenzalida1, Diego F García-Díaz2

  • 1Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile.

Revista Medica De Chile
|January 7, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is linked to severe viral respiratory infections. This review suggests obesity

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Obesity is a growing global health concern in children.
  • Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a major cause of illness and death in children.
  • The 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic highlighted obesity as a risk factor for severe disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing evidence on the association between childhood obesity and the severity of respiratory diseases.
  • To explore the potential role of obesity as a risk factor for viral respiratory infections in children.

Main Methods:

  • A literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies.
  • Nine articles were selected from 40 retrieved articles for a comprehensive review.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests a correlation between childhood obesity and a more severe course of respiratory illnesses.
  • Obesity may act as an independent risk factor, potentially due to its immunomodulatory effects.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood obesity may exacerbate viral respiratory infections.
  • Further research is crucial, especially given rising obesity rates and the potential for future viral pandemics.

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