Asthma phenotypes and endotypes in childhood

Abstract

Asthma is a very heterogeneous disease and since early childhood many classifications have been proposed according to phenotype and endotype. The phenotype includes the clinical features of asthma such as age of onset, triggers, comorbidities, response to treatment and evolution over time. The endotype is more difficult to define, includes the underlying immunopathological mechanisms of the disease and requires reliable biomarkers. A deep knowledge of phenotype and endotype of the patient may guide a tailored therapeutic approach. In this review the main phenotypes and endotypes of asthma acknowledged in children will be discussed.