Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 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

Preschool-aged wheezing

Nico W Vehse1

  • 1Assistant professor of pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and is affiliated with Hasbro Children's Hospital.

Rhode Island Medical Journal (2013)
|May 4, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Wheezing in young children (0-4 years) often stems from infections, causing bronchiolitis or preschool asthma. This review clarifies these common pediatric respiratory conditions to guide effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Wheezing is a frequent symptom in children aged 0-4 years.
  • Infectious etiologies are the primary drivers of pediatric wheezing.
  • Distinguishing between bronchiolitis and preschool asthma presents diagnostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the causes of wheezing in the pediatric population (0-4 years).
  • To clarify the differential diagnoses between infectious bronchiolitis and preschool asthma.
  • To provide clinical guidance for managing pediatric wheezing.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on pediatric wheezing causes and management.
  • Synthesis of findings on bronchiolitis and preschool asthma.

Main Results:

  • Infectious agents are the most common cause of wheezing in this age group.
  • Bronchiolitis and preschool asthma share overlapping symptoms but have distinct underlying pathologies.
  • Clear differentiation is crucial for appropriate therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the diverse causes of pediatric wheezing, particularly infectious ones, is essential for accurate diagnosis.
  • This review aims to reduce confusion in differentiating bronchiolitis from preschool asthma.
  • Evidence-based guidance is provided to support clinical decision-making in treating pediatric wheezing.

Keywords:
airwayasthmabronchiolitiswheezing

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...
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-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...
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-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.