Asthma exacerbations in a subtropical area and the role of respiratory viruses: a cross-sectional study

摘要

Multiple factors are involved in asthma exacerbations, including environmental exposure and viral infections. We aimed to assess the association between severe asthma exacerbations, acute respiratory viral infections and other potential risk factors. Asthmatic children aged 4–14?years were enrolled for a period of 12?months and divided into two groups: those with exacerbated asthma (group 1) and non-exacerbated asthma (group 2). Clinical data were obtained and nasopharyngeal samples were collected through nasopharyngeal aspirate or swab and analysed via indirect fluorescent immunoassays to detect influenza A and B viruses, parainfluenza 1–3, adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. Rhinovirus was detected via molecular assays. Potential risk factors for asthma exacerbation were identified in univariate and multivariate analyses. In 153 children (group 1: 92; group 2: 61), median age 7 and 8?years, respectively, the rate of virus detection was 87.7%. There was no difference between groups regarding the frequency of virus detection (p?=?0.68); however, group 1 showed a lower frequency (19.2%) of inhaled corticosteroid use (91.4%, p?