Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Does allergy explain why some children have severe asthma?
Katie Bonner1,2, Graham Roberts2,3,4
1Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Slough, UK.
Insights
Allergy plays a key role in severe therapy-resistant asthma (STRA) in children. Identifying specific allergens can improve asthma control and guide targeted avoidance or new therapies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Severe therapy-resistant asthma (STRA) affects a minority of children with asthma.
- Children with STRA exhibit increased allergic sensitization, eosinophilic inflammation, airway remodeling, and reduced corticosteroid response compared to mild-moderate asthma.
- Allergy is a significant multifactorial contributor to the etiology of STRA in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of specific allergens in driving severe asthma symptoms in children.
- To identify potential strategies for improving disease control in pediatric STRA.
- To explore the utility of allergen avoidance and targeted therapies for STRA.
Main Methods:
- The study differentiates children with STRA from those with mild-moderate asthma based on clinical and inflammatory markers.
- Investigates the association between various allergies (foods, molds, pollen, pets) and severe asthma exacerbations.
- Evaluates the potential impact of identifying driving allergens on treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Severe rhinitis is identified as a key driver of STRA in children.
- Allergies to foods, molds, pollen, and pets are linked to severe asthma exacerbations.
- Greater allergic sensitization is a distinguishing feature of children with STRA.
Conclusions:
- Identifying specific allergens is crucial for managing pediatric STRA.
- Allergen avoidance strategies may improve asthma control in affected children.
- Monoclonal antibody therapies (Omalizumab, Mepolizumab) may benefit children with significant polysensitization.
Abstract:
Asthma is a common disease in childhood with a minority of affected children having severe therapy-resistant asthma (STRA). Children with STRA can be differentiated from those with mild-moderate disease by greater allergic sensitization, increased eosinophilic airway inflammation, increased airway remodelling and reduced corticosteroid responsiveness. The aetiology of STRA in children is multifactorial but allergy seems to play a key role. Many children with asthma have coexisting allergic disease, and severe rhinitis seems to be an important driver of STRA in children. Allergies to foods, moulds, pollen and pets have also been associated with severe asthma exacerbations. Identifying allergens that are driving asthma symptoms in children with STRA may provide additional strategies for improving their disease control. Avoidance strategies may be possible. Additional monoclonal antibody therapy with Omalizumab or Mepolizumab may be helpful in children with clinically important polysensitization.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
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:
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...