Exacerbations and Management of Asthma in Viral Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: The Significance of Immunoglobulin E.

Viral infections, particularly those caused by human rhinoviruses, are a significant trigger for asthma exacerbations. These infections can lead to heightened serum IgE levels, which play a vital role in the immune response and the worsening of asthma symptoms. The Th2 inflammatory pathway is frequently upregulated during these infections, associated with increased production of cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which aggravate asthma symptoms. Additionally, viral infections can compromise the airway epithelium, resulting in greater exposure to allergens and irritants, and disrupt the balance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines, leading to more severe exacerbations.