It may be surprising to hear that there is a potential link between childhood asthma and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque builds up inside arteries, causing them to narrow and stiffen.

Childhood asthma, on the other hand, is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. While they may seem unrelated, research has found a potential connection between the two.

What is Childhood Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of airways. The condition causes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Asthma symptoms can be triggered by a variety of factors, including allergies, pollution, exercise, and cold air. Asthma affects people of all ages, but it is more common in children than in adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), asthma affects approximately 1 in 13 school-aged children in the United States.

What is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque builds up inside arteries. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.

Over time, the plaque can harden and narrow the artery, which can reduce or block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other organs. Atherosclerosis can ultimately lead to heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems.

The Potential Link

Research has found that there may be a link between childhood asthma and atherosclerosis.

One study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children with asthma had higher levels of a protein called C-reactive protein (CRP) than children without asthma. CRP is a marker of inflammation, and high levels of CRP have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Another study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children with asthma had a higher prevalence of early signs of atherosclerosis, such as thicker carotid artery walls and increased arterial stiffness, than children without asthma.

The study also found that the longer a child had asthma, the greater their risk of developing early signs of atherosclerosis.

Possible Explanations for the Link

While the exact nature of the link between childhood asthma and atherosclerosis is not yet fully understood, there are a few possible explanations for the association.

One theory is that the chronic inflammation associated with asthma may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Inflammation is a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis, and the ongoing inflammation in the airways of people with asthma may also contribute to inflammation in other parts of the body, including the arteries.

Another theory is that the medications used to treat asthma may be a factor. Some studies have suggested that inhaled corticosteroids, a common type of medication used to treat asthma, may increase the risk of atherosclerosis.

However, other studies have found no such link. More research is needed to determine the role of asthma medications in the development of atherosclerosis.

What Can You Do?

If you or your child has asthma, it’s important to manage the condition carefully to reduce the risk of complications.

This can include taking medications as prescribed, avoiding triggers that can cause asthma symptoms, and getting regular check-ups with a healthcare provider. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can also help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and other related conditions.

Conclusion

The link between childhood asthma and atherosclerosis is a developing area of research, and more studies are needed to fully understand the association.

However, it’s clear that managing asthma carefully and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of both conditions. If you or your child has asthma, talk to a healthcare provider about strategies for managing the condition and reducing the risk of complications.