Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children.
The exact cause of asthma is not clear but there are several theories to explain the cause of asthma.
It is the interaction of genetic predisposition and environment which causes asthma to manifest in children.
Although not a single theory can explain the causation of asthma ,it is clear that, it is a heterogenous disease and there are so many triggers of its exacerbation.
Among triggers, there are ,allergens,pollutants,exertion,cold air,pollens,molds,and sudden change in ambient temperature
Among viruses ,Respiratory Synsytial virus(RSV),rhinovirus,influenza virus and seasonal coronavirus are known triggers for asthma exacerbation in children.
Investigators hypothesized that VIRUSES are the most important triggers for pediatric asthma exacerbation. To prove this ,the investigator studied on children admitted with severe asthma exacerbation in various hospitals form 2014 through 2021. Asthma exacerbation was confirmed through electronic records by continuous use of inhalational salbutamol. Viral testing were done on all children to confirm viral infection.
Investigators studied asthma exacerbation 15 -52 weeks after CDC implemented non pharmaceutical measures to prevent spread of Corona virus disease 2019 ,which limits the spread of virus from person to person including corona virus.These measures are physical distancing,use of mask and respiratory ettiquets.
The average rate of weekly asthma exacerbation in children decreased from approximately 64 % during the period of 2014 to 2019 to approximately 13% in 2020.
The average rate of viral infection positivity decreased from approximately 56% during the period of 2014 to 2019 to approximately 30% in 2020.
Researchers also observed that there was no change significantly in the environmental level of molds,pollens,pollutants and AQI(air quality index)
Researches found that, among various triggers for asthma exacerbation in children ,viral infections were most closely related which was obvious by the measures adopted to spread COVID 19 ,decreased the exacerbation of asthma.
It was concluded that ,measures to minimise viral infections in children will translate into fewer excerbation of asthma in children.
REFERENCES:
Poole A, Holcomb M, Jamieson A, et al. Social distancing reveals determinants of pediatric asthma exacerbations. Presented at: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) 2022 Annual Meeting; February 25–28, 2022; Phoenix, AZ. Abstract 178.