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Auricular Acupressure as an Adjuvant Treatment for Wheezing in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
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Signs and symptoms that precede wheezing in children with a pattern of moderate-to-severe intermittent wheezing

Katherine Rivera-Spoljaric1, Vernon M Chinchilli, Lindsay J Camera

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110-1077, USA. rivera_k@kids.wustl.edu

The Journal of Pediatrics
|March 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Significant cough is the most reliable early sign predicting wheezing in young children with a history of wheezing. This finding can help in managing respiratory tract illnesses and preventing wheezing episodes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric respiratory health
  • Clinical symptomology research

Background:

  • Wheezing is common in preschool children.
  • Identifying early signs of wheezing is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate parent-reported symptoms preceding wheezing in young children.
  • To assess the predictive value of symptom patterns for wheezing events.

Main Methods:

  • Parents of 238 children (12-59 months) with prior wheezing completed surveys on illness symptoms.
  • Statistical analysis calculated sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for symptoms preceding wheezing.

Main Results:

  • Nose symptoms were most common (41%), followed by significant cough (29%).
  • Significant cough demonstrated the highest predictive value for wheezing (PPV 74%, specificity 78%).

Conclusions:

  • Significant cough is the most dependable indicator of impending wheezing during respiratory tract infections.
  • Individualized symptom pattern analysis may improve management strategies for wheezing.
Abstract

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