All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Urban children are more likely to have asthma
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
Children living in poor areas are particularly prone to developing asthma, possibly due to infections acquired early in life.
In a new study, University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases examined the nature of viral respiratory diseases and their possible role in the development of asthma in children living in urban and suburban areas.
The goal of the specialists is to understand the picture and process of viral infections for further development of methods for treating bronchial asthma in children.
Previously, scientists suggested that different strains of viruses could be the cause of asthma in children at an early age. They concluded that children living in large cities are much more exposed to environmental influences than children from suburban areas. Experts also suggested that viral respiratory infections could be unique to each environment.
A team of experts led by Professor James Gurn observed 500 children from large cities and 285 of their peers from suburban areas. Scientists analyzed the children's nasal discharge during their illness and when they were completely healthy.
It turned out that, in general, urban children suffered from respiratory diseases more often. In addition, the disease was aggravated by such factors as allergic reactions, unfavorable bacterial background and air pollution.
The researchers found that children from urban environments had lower rates of HRV and RSV viruses, but higher rates of adenovirus infections than children from suburban areas.
This discovery is of particular interest to doctors because adenovirus infection can cause inflammatory processes in the body and chronic diseases.
The study authors believe that impaired development of the lungs and airways may be caused by adenovirus infections at an early age.
The results of the scientists' work are also of interest for taking into account the spread of morbidity and mortality from bronchial asthma in poor areas.
[