Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
09:58

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice

Published on: April 13, 2010

[Relation between asthma and atopy markers in children and young adults]

A Pereira Vega1, J L Sánchez Ramos, J A Maldonado Pérez

  • 1Sección de Neumología, Hospital Juan Ramón Jiménez, Huelva.

Archivos De Bronconeumologia
|June 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Atopy markers, total IgE level and skin tests, relate differently to childhood and adult asthma. Skin tests are more indicative in children, while IgE levels are more relevant in adults.

Area of Science:

  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Pediatric Pulmonology

Background:

  • Atopy is a key factor in allergic diseases, including bronchial asthma.
  • Understanding age-specific relationships between atopy markers and asthma is crucial for diagnosis and management.
  • Previous research suggests potential differences in atopy's role across age groups.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether atopy, assessed by total IgE level and skin test reactivity, is associated with bronchial asthma similarly in children and young adults.
  • To determine the differential utility of IgE levels and skin tests in diagnosing asthma across different age demographics.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 353 children (11-15 years) and 208 adults (20-44 years) from Huelva, Spain.
  • Subjects completed respiratory symptom questionnaires (ECRHS) and underwent methacholine challenge tests (MT).
  • Atopy was measured via total IgE levels (IgEt) and skin tests (ST); bronchial asthma was defined by recent wheezing and positive ST.

Main Results:

  • Asthma prevalence was 4.5% in children and 5.3% in adults.
  • Multiple regression analysis revealed skin tests (ST) were significantly related to asthma in children (p=0.023), while IgE levels (IgEt) were significant in adults (p=0.0005).
  • IgE levels showed better discrimination in adults (sensitivity 90.9%), whereas ST was more useful in children.

Conclusions:

  • The relationship between atopy markers and bronchial asthma differs significantly between children and adults.
  • Skin test reactivity is a more relevant indicator of asthma in children.
  • Total IgE levels are more indicative of asthma in adults, suggesting age-specific diagnostic approaches.

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

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,...