[Viral infections and asthma]

Presse Med. 1993 Mar 20;22(10):480-6.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Respiratory tract viruses have been held responsible for the genesis and aggravation of asthma in both children and adults. The relationship between asthma and viruses is looser in adults than in children, but it has been demonstrated that viral infections can generate a peripheral obstructive disorder on the one hand, and a transient non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity in healthy subjects on the other hand. Current data are insufficient to define clearly the alterations induced by viral infections and responsible for bronchial inflammation and non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity. Numerous studies have concluded to a complex mechanism involving bronchial epithelium lesions, imbalance of the autonomic nervous system in bronchial tone regulation, occurrence of immediate hypersensitivity reaction with facilitation of its delayed component, and cytokines produced during viral infection.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Asthma / etiology
  • Asthma / microbiology*
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / etiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Infant
  • Influenza A virus / isolation & purification
  • Influenza Vaccines / adverse effects
  • Influenza, Human / microbiology
  • Mast Cells / metabolism
  • Middle Aged
  • Virus Diseases / complications*

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines
  • Immunoglobulin E