Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Auricular Acupressure as an Adjuvant Treatment for Wheezing in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
02:34

Auricular Acupressure as an Adjuvant Treatment for Wheezing in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: May 10, 2024

Wheezing and asthma in early childhood: an update

Yvonne M Sterling1, Jane M El-Dahr

  • 1Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, New Orleans, USA.

Pediatric Nursing
|April 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Wheezing and asthma in children significantly burden families. Nurses play a crucial role in management by educating caregivers, assessing family history, and developing action plans, referencing the National Asthma Education Prevention Program guide.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nursing
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Asthma is a common childhood chronic disease, but its diagnosis, especially with chronic wheezing, is debated.
  • Wheezing and asthma impose substantial burdens on families and caregivers of affected children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the implications for nurses in managing young children with chronic wheezing or asthma.
  • To emphasize the importance of adhering to guidelines from the National Asthma Education Prevention Program.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and guidelines regarding childhood asthma and wheezing.
  • Identification of key nursing interventions for managing pediatric asthma and wheezing.

Main Results:

  • Nurses require knowledge of the National Asthma Education Prevention Program recommendations.
  • Essential nursing roles include assessing family history, educating caregivers on action plans, and environmental evaluation.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of pediatric asthma and wheezing requires comprehensive nursing support and caregiver education.
  • Nurses are vital in empowering families with information and resources for managing childhood asthma.

Related Concept Videos

Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.