Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 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

Recurrent wheezing in the first three years of life: short-term prognosis and risk factors

Umit Murat Sahiner1, Betul Buyuktiryaki, Ozlem Cavkaytar

  • 1Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Department, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.

The Journal of Asthma : Official Journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma
|February 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Recurrent wheezing in young children often persists, with maternal smoking and severe episodes being key risk factors. A negative asthma predictive index (API) indicates a faster recovery from wheezing symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Recurrent wheezing in preschool children presents diagnostic challenges, making it difficult to predict future asthma development.
  • Early-life wheezing episodes require careful evaluation to understand their long-term prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term prognosis of recurrent wheezing in children from the first three years of life.
  • To identify significant risk factors associated with the persistence of wheezing symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 529 children with recurrent wheezing in early childhood was followed for four years.
  • Asthma presence was evaluated, and remission was defined as 12 months without symptoms.
  • The stringent asthma predictive index (API) and other risk factors were analyzed for their impact on wheezing duration.

Main Results:

  • Only 14.4% of children achieved remission within 36 months.
  • A negative API was significantly associated with a shorter duration of wheezing (p = .036).
  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR=4.35) and emergency room admissions (OR=1.10) were independent risk factors for persistent wheezing.

Conclusions:

  • Persistent symptomatic wheezing is common in children referred for this condition.
  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy and wheezing severity are significant predictors of prolonged symptoms.
  • A negative API suggests a more favorable prognosis for wheezing resolution.
Abstract

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...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
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: 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,...
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: 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.