Title:Susceptibility to Rhinovirus-induced Early Wheezing as a Risk Factor for
Subsequent Asthma Development
Volume: 18
Issue: 2
Author(s): Hannele Mikkola*, Minna Honkila, Terhi Tapiainen and Tuomas Jartti
Affiliation:
- Department of Research Unit and Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
Keywords:
Asthma, rhinovirus, polymorphism, corticosteroid, bronchiolitis, tachypnea.
Abstract: Rhinovirus is one of the two most common viral agents that cause bronchiolitis in young
children. During the first 12 months, it is second to the respiratory syncytial virus, but after 12
months, it begins dominating the statistics. Wheezing and dry cough are typical clinical symptoms
indicative of rhinovirus-induced bronchiolitis, although overlap of symptoms with other virus infections
is common. Several studies have shown that atopic predisposition and reduced interferon responses
increase susceptibility to rhinovirus-induced wheezing. More recent studies have found
that certain genetic variations at strong asthma loci also increase susceptibility. Rhinovirus-induced
wheezing in the early years of life is known to increase the risk of subsequent asthma development
and may be associated with airway remodeling. This risk is increased by aeroallergen sensitization.
Currently, there are no clinically approved preventive treatments for asthma. However, studies
show promising results indicating that children with rhinovirus-affected first-time wheezing respond
to bronchodilators in terms of less short-term symptoms and that controlling airway inflammatory
responses with anti-inflammatory medication may markedly decrease asthma development.
Also, enhancing resistance to respiratory viruses has been a topic of discussion. Primary and secondary
prevention strategies are being developed with the aim of decreasing the incidence of asthma.
Here, we review the current knowledge on rhinovirus-induced early wheezing as a risk factor
for subsequent asthma development and related asthma-prevention strategies.