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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Evaluation of the wheezy infant
R L Morton1, S Sheikh, M L Corbett
1Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics University of Louisville School of Medicine, Kentucky, USA.
Insights
Wheezing in infants presents a diagnostic challenge. This review outlines an approach to diagnosing and managing persistent infant wheezing, including the potential use of pulmonary function testing.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Persistent or recurrent wheezing in infants under two years old creates diagnostic challenges for healthcare providers and parents.
- Understanding the underlying causes of infantile wheezing is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological factors contributing to infant wheezing.
- To discuss key clinical findings, family history, and risk factors.
- To establish a systematic approach for diagnosing and managing infantile wheezing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review utilizing the MEDLINE database.
- Incorporation of clinical experience with infantile wheezing cases.
Main Results:
- The review synthesizes information on the causes, diagnosis, and management of infantile wheezing.
- Key physical findings, family history, and risk factors are discussed.
Conclusions:
- A structured diagnostic and treatment approach for wheezing infants is presented.
- Infant pulmonary function testing is suggested as a valuable diagnostic tool.
Background:
The infant with persistent or recurrent wheezing during the first 2 years of life poses a diagnostic dilemma, which can be a source of anxiety to both physicians and parents. A suggested diagnostic approach to the causes of infantile wheezing is outlined.
Objectives:
1. To review the physiologic considerations of the infant's airways that predispose to wheezing. 2. To discuss the key physical findings, family history, and risk factors associated with wheezing in infants. 3. To develop a rational approach to the differential diagnosis and management of infantile wheezing.
Data Sources:
The MEDLINE database as well as our clinical experience pertaining to infantile wheezing.
Conclusions:
This review discusses the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of the wheezing infant. We suggest that infant pulmonary function testing may be used as one diagnostic aid in the workup of the wheezing infant.
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