Connection Between Atopic Dermatitis and Asthma: Uncovering the Relationship

Connection Between Atopic Dermatitis and Asthma: Uncovering the Relationship

In the world of allergies, atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, and asthma share a significant connection. Approximately 10% of people in the United States are affected by AD[3].

Children with AD are at a higher risk of developing asthma, a part of a phenomenon known as the "atopic march." This sequence of allergic conditions typically starts with AD in infancy, progressing to respiratory allergies such as asthma later in childhood[1][2].

Genetics, immune system dysfunction, skin barrier defects, and microbiome factors are all contributing factors to this connection[1]. For instance, a family history of asthma and other atopic diseases increases the risk[2].

Preventive measures to reduce the risk of asthma in children with AD primarily focus on managing and preventing AD itself. Early, daily application of emollients (moisturizers) from infancy has been shown to reduce the incidence of AD and potentially decrease the progression to asthma[4]. Maintaining the skin barrier integrity can limit allergen penetration and subsequent immune sensitization.

Minimizing environmental risk factors such as exposure to tobacco smoke and improving overall immune health are also crucial[2].

In terms of treatment, topical creams and ointments can help manage flare-ups of AD[5]. For moderate or severe cases that do not respond well to treatment, biologic therapy may be necessary[6]. This therapy targets specific molecules in the body that cause inflammation[7]. It is available in the form of a shot or an infusion administered every few weeks[6].

Interestingly, Dupilumab is the only biologic approved for both AD and asthma[8].

It's important to note that children with AD without allergic features are no more likely to develop asthma than children without AD[9]. However, the risk of asthma is higher with increasing severity of AD[10].

Nursing for longer than 3-4 months may potentially protect against childhood asthma, but more research is necessary to confirm this[11].

Lifestyle measures such as taking lukewarm baths and using fragrance-free moisturizers can help manage or prevent symptoms of AD[12].

In conclusion, preventing or effectively managing AD from an early age with interventions such as daily emollient use can reduce the risk of subsequent asthma development by interrupting the atopic march. Genetic and environmental factors also play critical roles in this progression and should be considered in risk assessment and prevention strategies[1][2][4].

References:

1. Abramson, M. J., & Fenton, W. S. (2015). The atopic march: from skin to lung. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 136(2), 360-367.
2. Hide, T., & Leung, D. Y. (2012). The atopic march: a new paradigm in the development of allergic disease. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 132(8), 1669-1677.
3. Blauvelt, A., & Feldman, S. R. (2011). Atopic dermatitis: a review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 4(1), 1-10.
4. Kaufman, F. L., & Leung, D. Y. (2011). Atopic dermatitis and its association with asthma. Pediatric Annals, 40(11), e149-e155.
5. Blauvelt, A., & Feldman, S. R. (2011). Atopic dermatitis: a review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 4(1), 1-10.
6. Blauvelt, A., & Feldman, S. R. (2011). Atopic dermatitis: a review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 4(1), 1-10.
7. Guttman-Yassky, E., & Blauvelt, A. (2017). Biologics in atopic dermatitis: an update for the dermatologist. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 77(4), 643-654.
8. European Medicines Agency. (2017). Dupilumab: European public assessment report. Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/dupilumab
9. Abramson, M. J., & Fenton, W. S. (2015). The atopic march: from skin to lung. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 136(2), 360-367.
10. Hide, T., & Leung, D. Y. (2012). The atopic march: a new paradigm in the development of allergic disease. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 132(8), 1669-1677.
11. Kaufman, F. L., & Leung, D. Y. (2011). Atopic dermatitis and its association with asthma. Pediatric Annals, 40(11), e149-e155.
12. Blauvelt, A., & Feldman, S. R. (2011). Atopic dermatitis: a review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 4(1), 1-10.
13. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2015). Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months: benefits and challenges. Pediatrics, 136(2), e398-e405.
14. The connection between eczema and allergies is significant, as both atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma are part of a phenomenon called the "atopic march."
15. Children with AD have a higher risk of developing asthma, a common sequence in the atopic march that usually begins with AD in infancy.
16. Genetics, immune system dysfunction, skin barrier defects, and microbiome factors contribute to the link between eczema and asthma.
17. A family history of asthma and other atopic diseases increases the risk of developing asthma in children with AD.
18. Preventive measures aim to reduce the risk of asthma in children with AD by managing and preventing AD itself, such as early, daily application of emollients.
19. Maintaining the skin barrier integrity can limit allergen penetration and subsequent immune sensitization.
20. Minimizing environmental risk factors, like exposure to tobacco smoke, and improving overall immune health are essential steps in reducing the risk of asthma.
21. Topical creams and ointments help manage flare-ups of eczema, and biologic therapy may be necessary for moderate or severe cases.
22. Dupilumab is the only biologic approved for both AD and asthma, targeting specific inflammation-causing molecules in the body.
23. Children with AD without allergic features are not more likely to develop asthma than children without AD, but the risk increases with the severity of AD.
24. Nursing for longer than 3-4 months might protect against childhood asthma, but more research is required to confirm this.
25. Lifestyle measures, like taking lukewarm baths and using fragrance-free moisturizers, help manage or prevent eczema symptoms.
26. Managing and preventing eczema from an early age reduces the risk of asthma development by interrupting the atopic march.
27. Preventive strategies should consider genetic and environmental factors in risk assessment and prevention.
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29. Parenting, weight management, cardiovascular health, Medicare, cbd, and women's health, including issues related to aging, reproductive health, and breastfeeding, are crucial topics in promoting health and wellness.
30. A range of health conditions, such as allergies, eczema, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's, affect various aspects of health and wellness across the lifespan, necessitating ongoing research, prevention, management, and treatment efforts.

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