Abstract
There is growing evidence in medical literature to support an association between
early-life respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract-lower respiratory tract
infection (RSV-LRTI) and recurrent wheezing/asthma-like symptoms. It has been estimated
that children with a history of RSV-LRTI have a 2- to 12-fold higher risk of developing
asthma. The connection between RSV infection and a developmental trajectory of reduced
lung function remains throughout adolescence and early adulthood, suggesting a possible
role for RSV even in the inception of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. That
is why the postnatal period appears to offer a specific window of opportunity for
early intervention to prevent chronic obstructive lung diseases. The mechanisms by
which RSV contributes to the onset of wheezing/asthma and lung function impairment
are not fully understood but appear to relate to injury caused directly by the virus
and/or to pre-existing predisposing factors. While awaiting a deeper understanding
of the association between RSV and chronic lung diseases, the crucial role of pediatricians
and physicians is to develop strategies to prevent RSV infections to try and protect
children's lifelong respiratory health.
Key Points
-
Several evidence suggest a link between RSV infection in early life and wheezing/asthma
development.
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RSV infection appears to have long term respiratory effects.
-
The prevention of RSV infections could reduce the incidence of chronic obstructive
respiratory diseases.
Keywords
respiratory syncytial virus - wheezing - asthma - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- prevention
