ATOPIC DERMATITIS AND ASTHMA IN CHILDREN: CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND THERAPEUTIC POSSIBILITIES

Abstract

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis and asthma in children are chronic conditions that frequently coexist and form part of the spectrum of atopic diseases. Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense itching, rashes and a genetic predisposition. Asthma, in turn, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, which causes recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. These two conditions are often interrelated, sharing common immunological mechanisms such as Th2 cell activation and IgE production, which result in an exaggerated inflammatory response to allergens. The interaction between these diseases can influence both their severity and their clinical management, making it essential to understand the clinical manifestations and therapeutic approaches available for treatment in children. Objective: The objective of this systematic review was to explore the clinical manifestations and therapeutic possibilities of atopic dermatitis and asthma in children in order to identify the most effective approaches for the integrated management of these conditions. Methodology: The methodology followed the PRISMA checklist to ensure transparency and rigor in the selection of studies. The databases used were PubMed, SciELO and Web of Science, using the descriptors "atopic dermatitis", "asthma", "children", "treatment" and "immunopathology". Articles published in the last 10 years, in English, Portuguese and Spanish, that discussed both atopic dermatitis and asthma in children were included. Studies that addressed only one of the conditions, narrative review articles and publications that did not make the full text available were excluded. Results: The review identified that children with atopic dermatitis have a significantly higher risk of developing asthma, with clinical manifestations often overlapping, with chronic itching and wheezing as the predominant symptoms. Therapeutic approaches included the use of topical and inhaled corticosteroids, immunomodulators and biological therapies, with emphasis on the use of dupilumab, which showed efficacy in reducing symptoms of both conditions. Conclusion: The coexistence of atopic dermatitis and asthma in children requires integrated management that takes into account the underlying immunological interactions. More recent therapeutic interventions, such as biologics, have shown promising results, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary treatment to improve the quality of life of pediatric patients.