Nasopharyngeal microbiota in children is associated with severe asthma exacerbations

Asthma, one of the most common noncommunicable childhood diseases, is characterized by a (sub)acute worsening of symptoms called exacerbation. Exacerbations can be triggered by exposure to allergens, tobacco smoke, air pollution, or viral infections.1 The severity of these exacerbations ranges from mild and manageable at home to severe exacerbations requiring hospitalization and potentially admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).1 Risk factors for ICU admission in children with an asthma exacerbation include older age,2,3 tobacco smoke exposure, and symptoms for over a week before presentation.
Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Source Type: research