Author Affiliations: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China (Zhang WX, Li CC)

Corresponding Author: Chang-Chong Li, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China (Tel: 86-577-88816281; Fax: 86-577-88832693; Email: wzlichch@21cn.com)

doi: 10.1007/s12519-011-0264-x

Background: Apart from airway inflammation, airway remodeling is one of the main pathological features of asthma. However, it remains unclear when airway remodeling starts in children and whether it could be a potential therapeutic target in asthma.

Data sources: We have reviewed the recent literature regarding structural changes after airway remodeling, the relationship between airway inflammation and airway remodeling, the relationship between childhood asthma and airway remodeling, and the role of long-term medication in asthma treatment for airway remodeling.

Results: The relationship between airway inflammation and airway remodeling is still controversial. A number of morphological and pathological studies have confirmed that airway remodeling occurs not only in adult asthma, but also in childhood asthma. It develops early in the disease process of asthma. At present, long-term medication in asthma treatment mainly focuses on anti-inflammation. However, there are no therapeutic interventions that revert airway remodeling once it is established.

Conclusions: Airway remodeling may provide a possible new therapeutic target in the management of asthma. It is imperative to strengthen the research in developing new medications specifically for asthma airway remodeling. Prevention and treatment of airway remodeling become top priority in future asthma research.

Key words: airway remodeling; asthma; children; inflammation

World J Pediatr 2011;7(2):124-128