Bronchoconstriction in helminthic infection.
In order to determine whether infection by helminthic parasites can be associated with a state of bronchoconstriction, we evaluated the response to the inhalation of a bronchodilator before and after long-term anthelmintic treatment of children in a urban slum of Caracas, Venezuela. In untreated children, a direct association was found between the degree of helminthic infection and the increase in peak expiratory flow rates caused by the bronchodilator. The elimination of the infections was accompanied by a significant decrease in response to the bronchodilator. These results indicate that helminthic infection could contribute to the development of asthmatic conditions in areas where these parasites are endemic.
Lynch
N R
NR
Institute of Biomedicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas.
Hagel
I
I
Perez
M
M
Di Prisco
M
M
Alvarez
N
N
Rojas
E
E
D000420:Albuterol / Q000494:pharmacology; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016084:Bronchoconstriction; D002648:Child; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
D000871:Anthelmintics; D000420:Albuterol