Influence of viral infection on the relationships between airway cytokines and lung function in asthmatic children.

Background: Few longitudinal studies examine inflammation and lung function in asthma. We sought to determine the cytokines that reduce airflow, and the influence of respiratory viral infections on these relationships.

Methods: Children underwent home collections of nasal lavage during scheduled surveillance periods and self-reported respiratory illnesses.

Impact of community respiratory viral infections in urban children with asthma.

Background: Upper respiratory tract viral infections cause asthma exacerbations in children. However, the impact of natural colds on children with asthma in the community, particularly in the high-risk urban environment, is less well defined.

Objective: We hypothesized that children with high-symptom upper respiratory viral infections have reduced airway function and greater respiratory tract inflammation than children with virus-positive low-symptom illnesses or virus-negative upper respiratory tract symptoms.