Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., Vol 151, No. 5, May 1995, 1675-1676.
Viral infections in humans
WW Busse
University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA.
Viral respiratory infections can increase asthma symptoms in many patients.
Although the mechanisms of these effects are not fully established, there
is evidence that respiratory viruses can promote some components of
allergic inflammation. In this regard, there is evidence that rhinovirus
respiratory infections can lead to the development of late allergic
reactions to inhaled allergen. This change in response to inhaled allergen
supports the possibility that some respiratory infection will promote
bronchial inflammation and may be a factor for increased wheezing with
respiratory infection.
