The association between Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and asthma.

The association between Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and asthma.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, common in infants and children worldwide, have been linked to a significant increase in the risk of developing asthma later in life, particularly in severe cases.

While there is no specific treatment for an RSV infection, several vaccines have been approved by the FDA to help prevent RSV infections. The recommendations for who can receive these vaccines are based on age and other risk factors, such as chronic heart or lung diseases, weak immune systems, and pre-existing asthma.

Early-life RSV infections, especially severe cases, significantly raise the risk of asthma by promoting sustained type 2 inflammation in the lungs. This inflammation can persist long after the virus is cleared, indicating a lasting effect on lung immunity. As a result, children who experience severe RSV bronchiolitis are more likely to develop recurrent wheezing and, in some cases, be diagnosed with asthma by the age of seven.

For children with pre-existing asthma, early RSV infection can exacerbate type 2 inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness, potentially worsening asthma symptoms and severity. Genetic factors may also influence whether severe bronchiolitis leads to asthma, suggesting that some individuals have a predisposition that interacts with viral infection.

It's important to note that other respiratory viruses, such as rhinovirus, can also cause recurrent wheezing and asthma, sometimes at higher rates than RSV. However, the severity of bronchiolitis caused by RSV, more than the virus itself, may be a key factor in the increased asthma risk.

Adults living in high altitudes, premature infants, children with Down syndrome, and those with neuromuscular disorders are also at a higher risk of severe RSV infections. Severe cases of RSV infection may present with viral pneumonia, hypoxia, lethargy, apnea, and acute respiratory failure.

People with asthma may have more severe symptoms if they acquire an RSV infection. Asthma is a common long-term inflammatory disease of the lungs characterized by the narrowing and swelling of the airways. Severe RSV infection may contribute to the development of asthma through sensitivity to common allergens.

In summary, early-life RSV infection, especially severe cases, significantly raises the risk of asthma by promoting sustained type 2 inflammation in the lungs. This infection can worsen asthma control and lung inflammation in children who already have asthma. Genetic factors may influence asthma development after RSV bronchiolitis. Other viruses also contribute to asthma risk, but the severity of bronchiolitis caused by RSV may be a key factor in the increased asthma risk. Adults living in high altitudes, premature infants, children with Down syndrome, and those with neuromuscular disorders are also at a higher risk of severe RSV infections.

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