Markers of Airway Inflammation in BAL Fluid From Children With Asthma

Prospective Analysis of Markers of Airway Inflammation and Remodeling in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid From Children With Asthma.

The study compares the biochemical markers in bronchoalveolar lavage samples from asthmatic children to those markers found in non-asthmatic children with other respiratory diseases. The investigators hypothesize that certain markers will be associated specifically with asthma.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years of age or younger
• Scheduled for bronchoscopy at National Jewish Health for persistent asthma, persistent, poorly controlled wheezing, chronic cough, GERD, atelectasis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, infection.
• Consent and assent from parent and patient [if appropriate].

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unwillingness to consent/assent to retrieval of BAL fluid for research analysis.