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Risk factors of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in children with wheezing-associated respiratory infection

Sitthivuddhi Futrakul1, Jitladda Deerojanawong, Nuanchan Prapphal

  • 1Newborn Services, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. sitvudfu1@yahoo.com

Pediatric Pulmonology
|May 10, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) affects 38.7% of young children with wheezing-associated respiratory infection (WARI). Key risk factors include a history of reactive airway disease, maternal asthma, limited breastfeeding, and passive smoke exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Wheezing-associated respiratory infection (WARI) is common in children under 5.
  • Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is a key indicator of airway reactivity.
  • Identifying risk factors for BHR in young children is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of BHR in children up to 5 years old with WARI.
  • To identify significant risk factors associated with BHR in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Pulmonary function tests (tidal breathing flow volume) were conducted before and after salbutamol nebulization.
  • BHR was diagnosed based on a >= 20% increase in specific tidal breathing parameters post-nebulization.
  • Statistical analysis, including odds ratios and confidence intervals, was used to evaluate risk factors.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of BHR among children with WARI was 38.7% (41 out of 106).
  • Significant risk factors for BHR included: history of reactive airway disease (OR 6.31), maternal asthma (OR 3.45), breastfeeding < 3 months (OR 3.18), and passive smoking (OR 3).
  • Higher eosinophil counts were observed in the BHR-positive group, particularly in children aged 1-5 years.

Conclusions:

  • A history of reactive airway disease, maternal asthma, short breastfeeding duration, and passive smoking are significant risk factors for BHR in young children with WARI.
  • These findings highlight the importance of environmental and familial factors in the development of pediatric airway hyperresponsiveness.
  • Early identification and management of these risk factors may help prevent long-term respiratory issues.

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