Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 8, 2025
A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma
Published on: June 4, 2017
The Added Burden of Allergen Sensitization Among Children with Severe or Poorly Controlled Asthma
W Gerald Teague1, Ahmar Iqbal2, Yao Ding3
1Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Va.
Insights
Allergen sensitization (AS) in children with severe or poorly controlled (SPC) asthma is linked to more asthma attacks, oral corticosteroid use, and higher healthcare costs. This highlights the importance of managing AS for better asthma outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Allergen sensitization (AS) can negatively impact asthma outcomes in children with severe or poorly controlled (SPC) asthma.
- Understanding the economic and clinical burden of AS in this population is crucial for effective management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of AS on asthma exacerbations, healthcare utilization, and associated costs in children with SPC asthma.
- To compare outcomes between children with and without AS across private and public insurance plans.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of children aged 6-11 years with SPC asthma was conducted using MarketScan Commercial and Medicaid databases.
- AS status was determined by diagnoses of extrinsic asthma and allergic conditions; outcomes included exacerbations, oral corticosteroid (OCS) use, healthcare visits, and costs over a minimum 12-month follow-up.
- Adjusted generalized linear models were used to compare outcomes between children with and without AS.
Main Results:
- Approximately 34% of children with SPC asthma exhibited AS.
- Children with AS experienced significantly higher rates of asthma exacerbations and more days of OCS use compared to those without AS.
- Asthma-related hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and healthcare costs were significantly elevated in children with AS.
Conclusions:
- Children with SPC asthma and AS incur greater asthma-related healthcare utilization and costs.
- Managing allergen sensitization is critical for reducing the burden of severe asthma in pediatric populations.
Background:
Allergen sensitization (AS) may negatively affect asthma outcomes in children with severe or poorly controlled (SPC) asthma.
Objectives:
To examine the impact of AS on asthma exacerbations, health care use, and costs among children with SPC asthma in private and public insurance settings.
Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed children with SPC asthma aged 6 to 11 years from the MarketScan Commercial (private insurance) and Medicaid databases. Selection of children with SPC asthma was based on medical claims and asthma medication prescription claims. AS status was based on diagnoses of extrinsic asthma and allergic conditions. Children were followed for at least 12 months. Outcomes included asthma exacerbations, days with oral corticosteroids (OCS), and asthma-related health care use and costs. Adjusted generalized linear models were fit to compare outcomes in children with versus those without AS.
Results:
Among children with SPC asthma, 34% had AS (private insurance: N = 11,448; Medicaid: N = 10,800), 20% did not have AS (private insurance: N = 7744; Medicaid: N = 6535), and, in the remainder, AS status could not be determined. Claims data were available for ≥3 years on average. Children with AS had significantly higher adjusted rates of asthma exacerbations during follow-up than children without AS, and significantly more days with OCS use. Rates of asthma-related hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and health care costs were significantly higher among children with AS than among children without AS.
Conclusions:
Children with SPC asthma and AS have relatively greater asthma-related health care use and costs compared with children with SPC asthma without AS.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
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:
01:20Asthma: 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.
01:24Asthma-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...
02:06Allergic Reactions