Obesity-related asthma in children and adolescents

Abstract

The incidence of asthma and obesity in childhood has been increasing for decades. Obesity-related asthma is thought to be influenced by changes in the lungs’ mechanical properties and airway remodeling due to systemic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. It is characterized by Th1-inflammation and impaired lung function, which responds poorly to conventional asthma treatment with inhaled β2-agonists and corticosteroids. The purpose of this review is to increase awareness of obesity-related asthma in children and adolescents and highlight possible underlying mechanisms and interventions.