Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
Presence of atopy increases the risk of asthma relapse
Laurel Teoh1,2, Ian M Mackay3,4, Peter P Van Asperen5,6
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
Insights
Respiratory viruses are common in childhood asthma exacerbations but do not affect recovery. Atopy, however, is linked to asthma relapse in children, while atypical bacteria are rare triggers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Acute asthma exacerbations in children are frequently associated with respiratory infections.
- The role of specific respiratory viruses and atypical bacteria in asthma severity and recovery remains incompletely understood.
- Atopy is a known risk factor for asthma, but its specific impact on exacerbation recovery needs further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of respiratory viruses and atypical bacteria in children with asthma exacerbations using PCR.
- To assess the influence of these pathogens and atopy on the acute severity and clinical recovery of childhood asthma.
- To investigate the association between specific pathogens, atopy, and asthma relapse.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study conducted in hospital emergency departments from 2009-2011.
- Recruited 244 children (aged 2-16 years) presenting with acute asthma.
- Utilized PCR for pathogen detection, nasopharyngeal aspirates, allergen skin prick tests, and validated outcome measures for severity and recovery.
Main Results:
- Respiratory viruses were detected in 81.7% of children, with human rhinovirus being the most common (75.1%).
- Atypical bacteria like *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* and *Chlamydophila pneumoniae* were rarely identified.
- Pathogen presence had minimal impact on acute asthma severity or recovery, whereas atopy significantly increased the likelihood of relapse (OR 1.11).
Conclusions:
- While viruses are associated with asthma exacerbations, they do not appear to influence recovery.
- Atopy is a significant factor associated with asthma relapse in children.
- *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* and *Chlamydophila pneumoniae* are uncommon causes of acute asthma exacerbations in this pediatric population.
Objectives:
To describe the point prevalence of respiratory viruses/atypical bacteria using PCR and evaluate the impact of respiratory viruses/atypical bacteria and atopy on acute severity and clinical recovery in children with hospitalised and non-hospitalised asthma exacerbations.
Design:
This was a prospective study performed during 2009-2011.
Setting:
The study was performed in the emergency departments of two hospitals.
Patients:
244 children aged 2-16 years presenting with acute asthma to the emergency departments were recruited. A nasopharyngeal aspirate and allergen skin prick test were performed.
Main Outcome Measures:
The outcomes were divided into (1) acute severity outcomes (Australian National Asthma Council assessment, hospitalisation, Functional Severity Scale, Acute Asthma Score, asthma quality of life questionnaires for parents (PACQLQ) on presentation, asthma diary scores (ADS) on presentation and length of hospitalisation) and (2) recovery outcomes (PACQLQ for 21 days, ADS for 14 days and representation for asthma for 21 days).
Results:
PCR for viruses/atypical bacteria was positive in 81.7% of children (75.1% human rhinovirus, codetection in 14.2%). Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae were rarely detected. The presence of micro-organisms had little impact on acute asthma or recovery outcomes. Children with atopy were significantly more likely to relapse and represent for medical care by day 14 (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.23).
Conclusions:
The presence of any viruses is associated with asthma exacerbations but does not appear to influence asthma recovery. In contrast, atopy is associated with asthma relapse. M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae are rare triggers of acute asthma in young children.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
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.
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
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:
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes: