Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people globally. It is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, with a prevalence rate that has been increasing over the years.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 235 million people suffer from asthma worldwide, and it is responsible for over 400,000 deaths annually. Asthma is a multifactorial disease, and genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle contribute to its development.

Childhood asthma and atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition that involves hardening and narrowing of the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the organs and tissues.

It is a progressive disease that can cause cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. Atherosclerosis occurs due to the accumulation of plaque on the arterial walls, which is made up of cholesterol, fats, blood cells, and calcium.

The plaque buildup causes inflammation, leading to the formation of scar tissue and narrowing of the artery.

Recent studies have shown that there is a link between childhood asthma and atherosclerosis. Children who have been diagnosed with asthma are more likely to develop atherosclerosis in adulthood compared to those without asthma.

The exact mechanism that links childhood asthma and atherosclerosis is not well understood, but it is believed that chronic inflammation accompanying asthma plays a significant role.

Chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis

Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of asthma, and it is characterized by elevated levels of cytokines and other inflammatory markers in the blood.

Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infections, and environmental irritants, and it involves the activation of immune cells and the release of mediators that cause tissue damage. In asthma, chronic inflammation occurs due to the narrowing of the airways, leading to reduced airflow and the accumulation of mucus, which triggers an immune response.

The link between chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis is well established. Inflammation triggers the buildup of plaque on arterial walls, causing endothelial dysfunction, which is a precursor to atherosclerosis.

Inflammatory cytokines promote the adherence of immune cells to the arterial walls and the migration of smooth muscle cells that cause the formation of the fibrous cap that characterizes atherosclerotic plaques.

Childhood asthma and risk factors for atherosclerosis

Children with asthma are at a higher risk of developing risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.

The chronic inflammation associated with asthma is thought to contribute to the development of these risk factors, leading to an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Obesity is one of the leading risk factors for atherosclerosis, and it is more prevalent in children with asthma. Asthmatic children are also more likely to have high blood pressure and abnormal lipid profiles than their non-asthmatic counterparts.

These risk factors may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis in later life.

Prevention and treatment

The link between childhood asthma and atherosclerosis underscores the importance of preventing and managing asthma early in life. Asthma management involves the use of inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and leukotriene modifiers, among others.

These medications help to control symptoms and reduce inflammation, which may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Preventive measures such as controlling exposure to environmental irritants, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in physical activity may also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis in children with asthma.

Conclusion

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Recent evidence suggests that childhood asthma may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis in adulthood.

Chronic inflammation accompanying asthma plays a significant role in the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, early prevention and management of asthma are critical in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and its associated cardiovascular events.