Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 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

Is there an association between wheezing and constipation in preschool children? Explanations from a longitudinal

J C Kiefte-de Jong1, A Lebon, V W V Jaddoe

  • 1Generation R Study Group, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands.

BMJ Open
|October 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Wheezing in children is linked to functional constipation, but this association is primarily due to infection exposure and antibiotic use, not an independent link. Atopic dermatitis showed no significant association with constipation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Functional constipation is a common issue in preschool children.
  • Wheezing and atopic dermatitis are prevalent conditions in early childhood.
  • Shared risk factors may influence the co-occurrence of these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between wheezing and atopic dermatitis with functional constipation in preschool children.
  • To determine the extent to which shared risk factors contribute to these associations.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based sample of 4651 preschool children was analyzed.
  • Data on functional constipation (Rome II criteria), atopic dermatitis, and wheezing were collected via parental reports and questionnaires.
  • Stepwise multivariate analyses examined the role of BMI, infection exposure, food allergy, infant nutrition, and parental stress.

Main Results:

  • 12-17% of children experienced functional constipation between ages 24-48 months.
  • Wheezing symptoms were significantly associated with functional constipation (OR 1.17), but this was largely explained by infection exposure and antibiotic use (aOR 1.08).
  • No significant association was found between atopic dermatitis and functional constipation (OR 1.08).

Conclusions:

  • Functional constipation coexists with wheezing in preschool children.
  • The association between wheezing and constipation is mainly explained by infection exposure and antibiotic use.
  • An independent link between respiratory symptoms and functional bowel disorders is questionable.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

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

Published on: August 7, 2017

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...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, 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: 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 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,...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...