Distinguishing Cough–Wheezing in Children from Asthma
Aug 02, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
The primary distinctions between pediatric cough and asthma lie in their differing pathogenic mechanisms and etiologies. Pediatric cough and asthma are mainly caused by bronchial mucosal congestion, edema, and increased glandular secretion, leading to relative narrowing of the bronchi. In contrast, asthma is primarily characterized by bronchospasm resulting from airway hyperresponsiveness, causing wheezing. Regarding etiology, pediatric cough and asthma are predominantly associated with respiratory tract infections.
To understand a disease, the most important step is to identify its underlying cause—only by understanding the specific etiology can prevention and treatment be targeted effectively. For example, asthma has a high prevalence in daily life; therefore, identifying its cause is essential before initiating appropriate therapy. So, what are the differences between pediatric cough-variant asthma (cough-variant asthma in children) and classic asthma?
Differences Between Pediatric Cough-Variant Asthma and Classic Asthma
The primary distinctions between pediatric cough-variant asthma and classic asthma lie in their pathogenic mechanisms and etiologies. Pediatric cough-variant asthma and classic asthma both involve bronchial mucosal congestion, edema, and increased glandular secretion, leading to relative bronchial narrowing. In contrast, classic asthma is primarily characterized by bronchospasm resulting from airway hyperresponsiveness, manifesting as wheezing. Regarding etiology, pediatric cough-variant asthma is predominantly associated with respiratory tract infections—including viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens—with viruses and atypical pathogens being most common. The etiology of classic asthma is less clearly defined, as it arises from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, infectious, allergic, and immunologic factors.
Asthma exacerbations are triggered by both intrinsic (genetic) and extrinsic (environmental) factors. Genetically, children with asthma often exhibit specific constitutional and inherited atopic predispositions. Moreover, they are prone to asthma attacks upon exposure to environmental triggers such as allergens or pathogens. Specifically, if one or both parents have asthma, their children face an elevated risk: when both parents have asthma, the child’s risk rises to 13%; if neither parent has asthma, the child’s risk is approximately 3%.
Patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly upon noticing any bodily discomfort. We hope this information proves helpful.
