Wheezing--associated lower respiratory infections in under 5-year-old children: study in Takhli District Hospital

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Tapanok Rattanadilok Na Bhuket1, Pramuan Sunakorn, Subharee Suwanjutha

  • 1ARI Section, Department of Communicable Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok 10120, Thailand.

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|January 29, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Acute lower respiratory infections (LRI) with wheezing are common in children under 5, especially infants. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a frequent cause, particularly during the rainy season.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Wheezing is a common symptom in children with acute lower respiratory infections (LRI).
  • Understanding the causes and patterns of wheezing in pediatric LRI is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of wheezing in children under 5 with LRI.
  • To identify the association between wheezing, LRI, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection, particularly during the rainy season.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study was conducted on 421 children under 5 with LRI at Takhli Hospital from November 1998 to October 2000.
  • Data collected included wheezing presence, LRI diagnosis (bronchitis, pneumonia), age distribution, seasonality, and RSV infection rates.
  • A two-year follow-up was performed on 121 cases to assess recurrent wheezing episodes.

Main Results:

  • 59.6% of children with LRI experienced wheezing, predominantly in those under 2 years old (64.5%).
  • Bronchitis and pneumonia were the main LRI diagnoses associated with wheezing.
  • Wheezing occurred year-round but peaked during the rainy season, coinciding with higher RSV detection rates.

Conclusions:

  • Acute LRI with wheezing is common in young children, particularly those under 2 years.
  • RSV is a significant pathogen contributing to LRI with wheezing, especially during the rainy season.
  • A notable proportion (30.5%) of children experienced recurrent wheezing episodes.

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