Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Predictors for wheezing phenotypes in the first decade of life

William K Midodzi1, Brian H Rowe, Carina M Majaesic

  • 1Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. wmidodzi@ualberta.ca

Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)
|April 16, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study identified distinct predictors for childhood wheezing phenotypes, suggesting varied causes for pediatric asthma. Key factors include early infections, allergies, parental asthma, breastfeeding, daycare, home crowding, and parental smoking.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric respiratory health
  • Asthma epidemiology
  • Childhood wheezing phenotypes

Background:

  • Wheezing is a common respiratory symptom in children.
  • Understanding wheezing predictors is crucial for early intervention.
  • Different wheezing patterns may have distinct underlying causes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate prenatal, perinatal, and early childhood factors predicting wheezing phenotypes.
  • To identify specific risk and protective factors for various wheezing patterns in the first decade of life.
  • To explore potential differences in the etiology of childhood asthma based on wheezing phenotypes.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective data collection on wheezing through five surveys over 10 years.
  • Defined five wheezing phenotypes: non-wheezers, preschool, primary-school, intermittent, and persistent wheezers.
  • Utilized logistic regression, adjusting for survey design, to analyze predictor variables.

Main Results:

  • Early respiratory infection, child's allergy, and parental asthma were significant risk factors for preschool, intermittent, and persistent wheeze.
  • Breastfeeding predicted preschool and intermittent wheezing; daycare attendance was a risk for preschool but protective for primary-school wheeze.
  • Home crowding showed protective effects for preschool and primary-school wheeze, while parental smoking was a risk for preschool wheeze.

Conclusions:

  • Distinct predictors were identified for different wheezing phenotypes, indicating some overlap.
  • The differential effects of various factors suggest potentially different etiologies for childhood asthma.
  • Further research into these distinct pathways could lead to more targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique13:10

Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique

Published on: May 15, 2013

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...
Allergic Reactions02:06

Allergic Reactions

Overview
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.
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype02:27

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...