[Recurrent wheezing in three year-olds: facts and opportunities]

The 3 year-old group of children has an increased incidence and prevalence of recurrent wheezing episodes. There are different subgroups, who give different inflammatory responses to different triggering agents, and subgroups that differ in aetiopathology and immunopathology. Current diagnostic methods (exhaled nitric oxide in multiple breaths, nitric oxide in exhaled air condensate, induced sputum, broncho-alveolar lavage and endo-bronchial biopsy), enable the inflammatory pattern to be identified and to give the most effective and safe treatment. The various therapeutic options for treatment are reviewed, such as inhaled glucocorticoids when the inflammatory phenotype is eosinophilic, and leukotriene receptor antagonists, when the inflammatory phenotype is predominantly neutrophilic. In accordance with the current recommendations, for the diagnosis as well as for the therapy initiated in children of this age, they must be regularly reviewed, so that if the benefit is not clear, the treatment must be stopped and an alternative diagnosis and treatment considered. The start of treatment should be determined depending on the intensity and frequency of the symptoms, with the aim of decreasing morbidity and increasing the quality of life of the patient.