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

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Wheezing in infants: frequency, clinical characteristics and treatment

Maiara Lanna Bouzas1, Dirceu Solé, Maria Regina A Cardoso

  • 1Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil. maiara.lanna@gmail.com

Jornal De Pediatria
|July 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

One-third of infants aged 6-23 months reported prior wheezing, with earlier onset linked to more frequent recurrence. This highlights early wheezing as a key indicator in infant respiratory health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Wheezing in infants is a common respiratory symptom.
  • Understanding the frequency and characteristics of early wheezing is crucial for diagnosis and management.
  • Previous history of wheezing can indicate underlying respiratory vulnerabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of prior wheezing history in infants.
  • To describe the clinical features and treatments associated with infant wheezing.
  • To identify factors influencing wheezing recurrence in young children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective follow-up of 451 infants aged 6-23 months presenting with upper respiratory tract complaints.
  • Inclusion criteria required a reported history of previous wheezing.
  • Data collected using a validated standardized form.

Main Results:

  • A history of wheezing was reported by 36.4% of infants, with 32.8% experiencing it in their first year of life.
  • The mean age of the first wheezing episode was 5.3 months.
  • Infants with their first episode before 12 months had higher recurrence rates (38.5% with 3-6 episodes, 14.2% with >6 episodes).

Conclusions:

  • Approximately one-third of infants experience wheezing within their first year.
  • Earlier onset of the first wheezing episode is significantly associated with more frequent recurrences.
  • Early wheezing episodes in infancy may predict a more persistent or severe course.
Abstract

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