Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 6, 2026
Author Spotlight: Efficacy of Auricular Pressure Bean Therapy in Reducing Wheezing Symptoms
Published on: May 10, 2024
Early childhood wheezers: identifying asthma in later life
Anayansi Lasso-Pirot1, Silvia Delgado-Villalta1, Adam J Spanier1
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Insights
Wheezing in young children is common, affecting one-third of children under five. Current tools cannot reliably predict which children will develop asthma, necessitating further research for better interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric respiratory health
- Asthma epidemiology
- Environmental and genetic factors in childhood diseases
Background:
- Recurrent wheeze affects approximately one-third of children under five in the US and Europe.
- Asthma is the most prevalent noncommunicable disease in children globally.
- Prevalence and severity of childhood wheezing may be higher in developing nations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on childhood wheezing phenotypes, risk factors, and predictive tools.
- To identify gaps in understanding the progression from wheeze to asthma in young children.
- To highlight the need for improved diagnostic and preventative strategies for childhood asthma.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of phenotypes of childhood wheezing.
- Analysis of genetic and environmental risk factors associated with wheeze and asthma.
- Evaluation of existing testing and predictive indices for asthma development.
- Examination of primary prevention strategies for childhood asthma.
Main Results:
- A complex interplay of environmental exposures and genetic susceptibility is recognized as a key factor in asthma development.
- Current predictive tools and diagnostic tests have limitations in accurately identifying children who will develop asthma.
- Significant research has focused on identifying risk factors and predictors, yet definitive guidance for families remains challenging.
Conclusions:
- Further research is crucial to elucidate distinct childhood wheezing phenotypes.
- Development of improved tools is needed to accurately predict asthma development in wheezing children.
- Clarifying intervention timing and methods is essential to reduce the societal burden of childhood asthma.
Abstract:
Wheeze in young children is common, and asthma is the most common noncommunicable disease in children. Prevalence studies of recurrent asthma-like symptoms in children under the age of 5 years have reported that one third of children in the US and Europe are affected, and rates and severity appear to be higher in developing countries. Over the last few decades, significant research efforts have focused on identification of risk factors and predictors of wheeze and on tools to identify which children who wheeze will progress to develop asthma. We reviewed the phenotypes of childhood wheezing, genetic risk factors, environmental factors, testing/predictive indices, and primary prevention. While it is generally agreed that a complex interaction of environmental exposure and genetic susceptibility contributes to the development of asthma, limitations in predictive tools and tests restrict our ability to provide families with guidance as to whether their child with wheeze will ultimately develop asthma. Additional research is needed to clarify childhood wheeze phenotypes, to develop tools to determine which children will develop asthma, and to determine how and when to intervene. If these areas can be addressed, it would help reduce this large burden on children, families, and society.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
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.
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...