Asthma is a chronic disorder characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow obstruction, presenting with episodic or persistent symptoms of wheezing, dyspnea, and cough
Clinical course
- Asthma is a heterogeneous disorder with a variable course, characterized by episodes of cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, reversible airflow limitation, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness
- The disease often begins early in life with intermittent symptoms occurring with viral respiratory tract infections. Over time, in genetically susceptible children, the disease becomes more persistent with symptoms occurring in the absence of respiratory tract infections
- Among children with asthma, some will have lifelong asthma with active symptoms and progressive loss of lung function over time, whereas others will undergo remission in adolescence. Once in remission, the disease may remain quiescent or may relapse in mid-adult life
Prognosis
- The prognosis of asthma can vary widely among patients. It is generally a controllable chronic condition that can lead to a good quality of life with appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications
- However, some children with asthma are at risk for progressive disease that can lead to failure to attain peak lung growth and eventual clinical and functional impairment
Risk factors
- Risk factors for asthma include a genetic predisposition, atopy, and exposure to environmental factors such as air pollutants and allergens. Additionally, respiratory infections and a personal or family history of allergies are significant risk factors
- Other risk factors include older age, female gender, reduced lung function, obesity, smoking, and depression in adult patients
- Certain risk factors for asthma-like symptoms in early childhood act through an increased infection burden in the first three years of life
- The presence of airway hyperresponsiveness and concomitant atopic manifestations in childhood increases the risk of developing asthma in adulthood
In conclusion, asthma is a chronic disorder with a variable clinical course and prognosis. It is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. With appropriate management, patients can achieve a good quality of life.