The Role of Allergic Factors and Immune Status in the Development of Recurrent Obstructive Bronchitis in Children

Recurrent obstructive bronchitis (ROB) is one of the most common chronic respiratory problems in childhood, often associated with allergic predisposition and immune dysfunction. This study evaluated 120 children aged 2–10 years with a history of at least 3 episodes of bronchial obstruction in the past year. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I (n=60) with confirmed atopic background (positive skin prick tests, elevated IgE), and Group II (n=60) without evident allergic sensitization. Clinical manifestations, frequency of relapses, and severity of bronchial obstruction were assessed. Immunological testing included serum IgE, IgA, IgM, IgG, IL-4, IL-10, and interferon-γ levels. Results showed significantly higher total IgE (average 420±35 IU/ml) and IL-4 (average 15.2±2.1 pg/ml) in Group I, compared with 125±20 IU/ml and 8.4±1.3 pg/ml in Group II (p<0.01). Children with atopy experienced 1.8 times more frequent relapses and longer disease duration. The findings confirm that allergic predisposition and altered immune regulation play a decisive role in ROB pathogenesis, justifying the inclusion of allergy diagnostics and targeted immunomodulatory therapy in clinical practice.