Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 4, 2010

Clinical characteristics of black asthmatic children

D K Luyt1, G Davis, M Dance

  • 1Department of Anaesthesia, Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg.

South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
|October 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

This study on pediatric asthma in Black children found cough to be the most common symptom. House-dust mite sensitivity was prevalent, challenging previous altitude-related beliefs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Asthma is a significant health concern in children.
  • Understanding symptom triggers and allergen sensitivities is crucial for effective management.
  • Previous research suggested limited house-dust mite prevalence at higher altitudes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical characteristics of asthma in Black children.
  • To identify common symptom triggers and associated atopic conditions.
  • To determine allergen sensitivities, including house-dust mites, in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 455 Black children with asthma.
  • Standardized questionnaires for medical history and symptom assessment.
  • Allergen skin prick testing to identify sensitivities.

Main Results:

  • Cough was the most frequent presenting symptom.
  • Upper respiratory tract infections, exercise, and cold weather were common triggers.
  • House-dust mite sensitivity was found in 44.2% of children, contradicting prior assumptions.
  • Associated atopic conditions were present in 75.5% of patients.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric asthma in this cohort is characterized by common triggers like infections and environmental factors.
  • High prevalence of house-dust mite sensitivity suggests its importance regardless of altitude.
  • Comprehensive allergy assessment is vital for managing childhood asthma effectively.

More Related Videos

Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma08:05

Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma

Published on: May 14, 2012

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing13:28

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing

Published on: December 17, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
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.
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-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
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:
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
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 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,...