Can asthma cause fever
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Can Asthma Cause Fever?
Asthma and Fever: An Overview
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Fever, on the other hand, is a common symptom of infections and other inflammatory conditions. The relationship between asthma and fever is complex and multifaceted, with various studies providing insights into how these two conditions may interact.
Asthma-Induced Fever
Fever as a Symptom of Asthma
Asthma itself can cause fever, although this is not a common occurrence. In some cases, fever may be mistakenly attributed to an infection when it is actually a result of an asthmatic reaction. This highlights the importance of distinguishing between symptoms caused by asthma and those caused by infections.
Occupational Asthma and Fever
Fever can also accompany asthmatic reactions, particularly in cases of occupational asthma. A study analyzing subjects with occupational asthma found that 5% of those who had positive specific inhalation challenges developed fever. These individuals exhibited a significant increase in blood neutrophils and a decrease in blood lymphocytes and forced vital capacity, indicating a strong inflammatory response.
Fever's Role in Asthma Development
Early Childhood Fevers and Asthma
Interestingly, early childhood fevers may play a protective role against the development of asthma and allergies. Research indicates that episodes of fever between 7 and 12 months of age are associated with a lower likelihood of developing asthma with allergic sensitization later in childhood. This suggests that the timing and intensity of fevers in early life can influence the immune system's development and potentially reduce the risk of asthma.
Fever and Atopy in Asthmatic Children
Further studies have shown that fever episodes in the first year of life are inversely associated with the development of atopy (a genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases) in children with asthma. This protective effect is particularly evident in children who start wheezing after the first 12 months of life, indicating that early-life fevers may alter the natural history of asthma by preventing the development of atopy.
Clinical Course of Asthma with Fever
Severity and Hospitalization
The presence of fever in children with asthma can influence the clinical course of the disease. A study examining hospital admissions for asthma found that febrile children tended to be younger and had a shorter hospital stay compared to afebrile children. Additionally, febrile children were less likely to experience severe asthma episodes requiring intensive care. This suggests that while fever can be a symptom of asthma, it may also be associated with a less severe clinical course in some cases.
Conclusion
In summary, while asthma can cause fever, this is relatively uncommon and often confused with infections. Fever can accompany asthmatic reactions, particularly in occupational asthma, and may influence the clinical course of the disease. Interestingly, early childhood fevers appear to have a protective effect against the development of asthma and allergies, highlighting the complex interplay between fever and asthma. Understanding these relationships is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of asthma.
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