Eczema CheckerHow is Eczema and Asthma Related?
Parents often notice that children with eczema sometimes develop breathing problems as they grow older. Doctors call this link the "atopic march." Put simply, it means that conditions can appear in a certain order: eczema first, then a sensitive nose, and later asthma.[1]
Why does this happen? Children with eczema already have a weaker skin barrier and a more sensitive, reactive immune system. This doesn't just affect the skin—it can also make the airways in the nose and lungs more sensitive. Over time, this sensitivity can show up as sneezing, blocked or runny nose, or wheezing and coughing that point toward asthma.[2]
Studies show that around 1 in 3 children with eczema later develop asthma, compared to a much smaller proportion of children without eczema.[3] This means the risk is higher, but it also means that most children with eczema will not develop asthma.
If your child has eczema and also coughs frequently, wheezes, or seems short of breath, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor. Catching symptoms early means better care and peace of mind for both you and your child.
References
- [1] Spergel JM. From atopic dermatitis to asthma: the atopic march. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2010;105(2):99–106.
- [2] Paller AS, Spergel JM, Mina-Osorio P, Irvine AD. The atopic march and atopic multimorbidity: many trajectories, many pathways. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2019;143(1):46–55.
- [3] van der Hulst AE, Klip H, Brand PL. Risk of developing asthma in young children with atopic eczema: a systematic review. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007;120(3):565–569.
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