Anna Strapková1, Martina Antošová2
In other nearly three decades, we observe a parallel increase in the prevalence of obesity and asthma in the paediatric population. A number of studies indicate a relationship between these diseases, but it is nevertheless not clear causality both. Discusses the existence of a specific asthma phenotype characteristic for the obese asthmatics. The current findings show that obese paediatric asthmatics have more pronounced symptoms of asthma and response to treatment is variable. Frequently is observed resistance to steroid therapy. Potential mechanisms of this relationship are multifactorial and participates in them a number of internal and external factors. The focus is on systemic inflammation caused by obesity, dysfunction of airway smooth muscle, respiratory mechanics change and co-morbidity of asthma. It is necessary to know how obesity affects individual characteristics of asthma such as airway inflammation, lung function, the risk of exacerbations, atopy and response to treatment. Identification of modifiable environmental factors leading to obesity in genetically susceptible individuals, of which the emphasis is on eating and exercise habits in children could find application in the prevention and treatment of obesity with consequent reduction in the risk of asthma. Despite the relatively extended bibliography, however, the relationship obesity – asthma establish constantly the number of questions especially in the group of children and adolescents and remains a source of hypotheses that require further research.