Acute exacerbations of asthma are the major cause of morbidity and mortality of the disease and are difficult to prevent and treat. Asthma exacerbations are associated with several factors, including allergen exposure, air pollution and stress, but the major cause of exacerbations is respiratory virus infection. Respiratory viral infections cause >80% of asthma exacerbations in children and >50% in adults. The most prevalent viruses detected during exacerbations are the rhinoviruses. Respiratory viruses may induce asthma exacerbations through direct effects on their main target, airway epithelium, as well as via systemic immune reaction.
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