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Auricular Acupressure as an Adjuvant Treatment for Wheezing in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
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Wheezing during the first year of life in infants from low-income population: a descriptive study

J Mallol1, R Andrade, F Auger

  • 1Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Santiago de Chile (USACH), Hospital CRS El Pino, Santiago, Chile. jmallol@usach.cl

Allergologia Et Immunopathologia
|November 17, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Recurrent wheezing (RW) is common in infants in developing regions, with over 80% experiencing episodes and 43% having RW. Early wheezing increases the risk of RW and pneumonia (PN).

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Global Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Recurrent wheezing (RW) significantly contributes to infant morbidity and mortality in developing regions.
  • The actual incidence of RW in these areas remains largely unknown.
  • Understanding RW prevalence is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and characteristics of wheezing during the first year of life in a low-income urban population in Santiago, Chile.
  • To identify risk factors for RW and its association with pneumonia (PN).

Main Methods:

  • A birth cohort of 188 infants was followed monthly for one year.
  • Data collected included the occurrence of wheezing episodes and diagnosis of pneumonia (PN).
  • Statistical analysis identified risk factors for RW and PN.

Main Results:

  • 80.3% of infants experienced at least one wheezing episode in the first year.
  • 43.1% had recurrent wheezing (RW), defined as 3 or more episodes.
  • 44.1% had their first wheezing episode within the first three months of life; 13.3% developed pneumonia (PN).

Conclusions:

  • A high prevalence of RW was observed in this low-income infant population.
  • Early onset of wheezing (within the first three months) was a primary risk factor for developing RW.
  • RW was significantly associated with pneumonia (PN), especially within the first six months of life.
Abstract

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