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Wheezing in early life and asthma at school age: predictors of symptom persistence

P Csonka1, M Kaila, P Laippala

  • 1University of Tampere, Medical School, Finland. peter.csonka@uta.fi

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology : Official Publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
|December 8, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Identifying early childhood wheezing predictors is crucial. Factors like family asthma history, allergies, and smoke exposure in early years predict persistent symptoms into school age.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Early childhood wheezing is a common condition, often linked to later asthma development.
  • Predicting wheezing persistence in young children is challenging due to high spontaneous recovery rates.
  • Lack of clear predictors complicates evidence-based guidelines for managing wheezy infants and toddlers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify variables predicting persistent wheezing symptoms from early childhood into school age.
  • To define risk factors for identifying children under 3 years old with ongoing wheezing at school age.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey utilizing questionnaires distributed to 2,027 randomly selected school children aged 6-13 years.
  • Analysis of 1,829 returned questionnaires (90% response rate) to assess early childhood wheezing history and current symptoms.
  • Logistic regression analysis to determine independent predictors of symptom persistence.

Main Results:

  • 10.2% of children sought emergency care for wheezing in the first 3 years; only 17.2% required similar treatment in the preceding year.
  • 11.4% of school-aged children had current asthma.
  • Family history of asthma, itchy rash, food allergy, and early-life tobacco smoke exposure were independently associated with persistent wheezing.

Conclusions:

  • Children with early wheezing and risk factors like allergies, family asthma history, or smoke exposure are at higher risk for persistent symptoms.
  • Identifying these risk factors can aid in early intervention and management strategies for wheezy children.
  • Further research can refine guidelines for long-term care of infants and toddlers with wheezing.

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