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Childhood asthma and adult lung function
1Department of Thoracic Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Childhood asthma can lead to persistent respiratory issues into adulthood. Continued wheezing is linked to poorer lung function and greater decline in respiratory health over time.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Respiratory Health
Background:
- Childhood asthma is a common condition with potential long-term respiratory consequences.
- Understanding the natural history of asthma into adulthood is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess long-term lung function and bronchial reactivity in adults with a history of childhood asthma.
- To identify factors associated with persistent respiratory abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 247 adults with childhood asthma and 39 controls, assessed at age 28.
- Inclusion of lung function tests and methacholine provocation testing.
- Analysis of respiratory function decline since childhood.
Main Results:
- Adults with persistent wheezing showed significantly abnormal lung function.
- Frequent wheezing at age 28 correlated with a greater decline in respiratory function since age 7.
- Methacholine reactivity was linked to wheezing frequency and small airways obstruction.
Conclusions:
- Persistent wheezing in adulthood following childhood asthma is associated with impaired lung function.
- Early childhood asthma severity and ongoing symptoms predict long-term respiratory health outcomes.
- Bronchial hyperresponsiveness may indicate underlying small airways disease in adults with asthma history.