to return to home page
Does RSV infection predispose to asthma? The relationship of respiratory viruses and asthma is complex and our knowledge of the pathophysiology of this process is steadily evolving. Suffice it to say that our current knowledge seems to indicate, that in children requiring hospitalization for RSV bronchiolitis, there is a modest increase in airway reactivity (recurrent asthma) up till 8 years of age, but this diminishes with time and is no longer significant by 13 years of age. There is little evidence of increased airway reactivity after mild RSV bronchiolitis. More recent studies indicate that pre-existing alterations in airway structure and environmental factors such as sensitization to allergens and exposure to tobacco smoke are more important determinants of recurrent wheezing than a history of LRTI. Reference:M. Kattan. J Pediatrics 1999;135:S8-S13
Click to return to home page