Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma
06:34

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

Longitudinal Study of Subsequent Wheezing/Asthma Risk Among Children Hospitalized for Acute Respiratory Infections -

Qiuyan Qin1, Qiqi Wang1, Siyu Wang1

  • 1Office of Epidemiology (Technical Guidance Office for Patriotic Health Work), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention & Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Beijing, China.

China CDC Weekly
|June 5, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Severe respiratory infections like bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children can lead to later wheezing and asthma. Early follow-up and screening after hospitalization are crucial for managing this risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Severe respiratory infections in early childhood, especially lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, are linked to an increased risk of developing wheezing and asthma later in life.
  • Understanding the long-term respiratory health outcomes following acute respiratory infections is critical for effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between childhood acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and the subsequent development of wheezing and asthma.
  • To identify specific respiratory infections and timeframes associated with the highest risk of developing asthma post-hospitalization.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study analyzing data from 22,460 children hospitalized for ARIs in Yichang between 2017 and 2024.
  • Statistical analysis to determine the risk of subsequent wheezing/asthma relative to different types of ARIs and over varying post-hospitalization periods.

Main Results:

  • A total of 1,463 children (6.5%) developed wheezing or asthma after hospitalization for ARIs.
  • Bronchiolitis and pneumonia showed the highest risk for subsequent wheezing/asthma compared to upper respiratory tract infections or influenza.
  • The excess risk was most pronounced within the first two years post-hospitalization, with bronchiolitis remaining a significant risk factor up to four years.

Conclusions:

  • Children hospitalized with bronchiolitis or pneumonia require systematic post-discharge follow-up and early asthma screening, particularly within the first two years.
  • Extended follow-up for up to four years may be beneficial for children hospitalized with bronchiolitis due to its persistent association with later asthma development.
Abstract

Keywords:
Acute respiratory infectionsAsthmaChildren

Related Concept Videos

Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...