[Bronchial hyperreactivity. III. Clinical manifestations].

Bronchial hyperreactivity is a common report in several respiratory tract diseases such as bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. Atopic patients and children who suffered lung diseases in early life (laryngotracheobronchitis, bronchiolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia) may have also persistent abnormalities in pulmonary function that frequently include bronchial hyperreactivity. A review of the actual literature, specially concerning with the clinical aspects of bronchial hyperreactivity in children and with the possible etiopathogenetic mechanism is presented.