Asthma, which affects one in 10 children, is the single most prevalent cause of childhood disability in the U.S. And while the chronic disease affects millions of children not only in the U.S. but worldwide, little is known about its potential effects on adult health.
Recently, however, a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that adults who contracted the viral disease shingles (Herpes zoster) were more likely to report a history of asthma. More specifically, researchers concluded that adults with a history of childhood asthma were 70 percent more likely to develop shingles than those without.
Recently, however, a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that adults who contracted the viral disease shingles (Herpes zoster) were more likely to report a history of asthma. More specifically, researchers concluded that adults with a history of childhood asthma were 70 percent more likely to develop shingles than those without.
“The effect of asthma on the risk of infection or immune dysfunction might very well go beyond the airways,” explained Young Juhn, lead author and general academic pediatrician and asthma epidemiologist at the Mayo Clinic Children’s Research Center in Rochester, Minnesota.
For the study, researchers examined the medical histories of 371 shingles-positive patients aged 50 or older and compared them to a control group of 742 people matched in terms of birthdate and sex. Twenty-three percent of the shingles group had a history of asthma compared with 15 percent of the control subjects. Researchers also found a similar association with eczema. Twelve percent of the shingles group had it compared to 8 percent of controls. Both eczema and asthma are tied to a compromised immune system. Shingles, meanwhile, is caused by the same pathogen responsible for chickenpox, Varicella zoster virus (VSV). For those who had a chickenpox infection, the virus lies inactive until the immune system weakens.
For the study, researchers examined the medical histories of 371 shingles-positive patients aged 50 or older and compared them to a control group of 742 people matched in terms of birthdate and sex. Twenty-three percent of the shingles group had a history of asthma compared with 15 percent of the control subjects. Researchers also found a similar association with eczema. Twelve percent of the shingles group had it compared to 8 percent of controls. Both eczema and asthma are tied to a compromised immune system. Shingles, meanwhile, is caused by the same pathogen responsible for chickenpox, Varicella zoster virus (VSV). For those who had a chickenpox infection, the virus lies inactive until the immune system weakens.
Researchers concluded that with asthma a likely significant factor for shingles in adults, consideration should be given to immunizing adults with asthma, especially those 50 years and older.
Dr. Regina Kurrasch’s work in pharmaceutical development includes designing clinical studies on various diseases, including asthma. For the latest in medical news and research, follow this Twitter account.
Dr. Regina Kurrasch’s work in pharmaceutical development includes designing clinical studies on various diseases, including asthma. For the latest in medical news and research, follow this Twitter account.