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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Sneezing leads to wheezing: microorganisms important in asthma

Christiana Willenborg A and Sacha Stelzer-Braid A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Virology Division
SEALS Microbiology
Prince of Wales Hospital
Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9382 9243
Email: Christiana.Willenborg@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

B Virology Division
SEALS Microbiology
Prince of Wales Hospital
Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
School of Medical Sciences
The University of New South Wales
Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9382 9096
Fax: +61 2 9382 8533
Email: Sacha.Stelzer-Braid@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Microbiology Australia 34(3) 125-129 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA13042
Published: 4 September 2013

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways. Microorganisms are the main cause of asthma exacerbations, with many cases of wheeze in children aged less than 1 year linked to asthma later in life. Respiratory viruses, particularly human rhinovirus, cause up to 90% of asthma exacerbations in children. In this review, we examine some of the viral, bacterial and fungal causes of asthma development and exacerbations.


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