Asthma seven times more likely in SCD children than in unaffected siblings

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are about seven times more likely to have asthma than their unaffected siblings, with odds increasing with age, according to a study in the U.S.

These findings highlight the importance of more frequent screening to protect the lungs and prevent asthma-related complications in children with SCD.

“Interval screening [between routine visits] should be implemented to capture cases at all ages,” researchers wrote.

The study, “Sickle Cell Disease Is an Inherent Risk for Asthma in a Sibling Comparison Study,” was published in Pediatric Blood & Cancer.