10 Jul 2025 • A multi-city Indian study found asymptomatic bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in 4% of urban adolescents, a potential early marker for chronic respiratory disease.

Among 4,141 teens, BHR prevalence was highest in Mumbai (5.6%) and lowest in Mysuru (2.3%).

Key risk factors included younger age (OR = 1.48), underweight status (Estimate = 2.07), and high particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5) exposure, with risk doubling above 124.8 μg/m³ (OR = 2.56).

The study highlights the need for school-based spirometry to detect early airway changes missed by symptom-based screening.

Source: Wiley Online Libraray | Read Full Story