Genetic aspects of pediatric asthma: potential clinical role

Abstract

Introduction Bronchial asthma is a disease of continuing inflammatory disorder of the airways that causes trouble breathing. It is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality throughout the world and there is evidence that its prevalence has increased considerably over the past 20 years especially in children .The prevalence of asthma symptoms in children varies from 1 to more than 30% in different populations and is increasing in most countries . In Egypt, asthma is the commonest cause of emergency and hospital admission where the prevalence among children aged 3-15 years estimated to be 8.2%, with 10% annual increase in mortality . The genetics of asthma is important in pediatric asthma. Current clinical Knowledge of genetic aspects of asthma is needed to understand the epidemiology, pathogenesis, natural history and management of children with asthma . Identifying the genes associated with asthma offers a means of better define of its pathogenesis, with the promise of improving preventive strategies, diagnostic tools and therapies .