Respiratory viruses and asthma: can the effects be prevented?
Although viral respiratory tract infections (RTIs) frequently cause exacerbations of asthma, the relationship between RTIs and the initiation and maintenance of asthma in childhood is unclear. This is in part because of the difficulty of defining asthma in young children. Current evidence supports two hypotheses: 1) that predisposed children are susceptible to both severe RTIs and asthma; and 2) that severe viral infections may have long-lasting influences on the subsequent development of asthma, and perhaps even atopy. These two proposals are not mutually exclusive. This review summarizes our current state of knowledge of the pathogenic interactions between viruses and asthma (in both human and animal models). Possible interventions that might modify the effects of viral disease in asthmatics are discussed.
Openshaw
P J
PJ
Respiratory Medicine, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, UK.
Lemanske
R F
RF
D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003139:Common Cold / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000150:complications / Q000821:virology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology