Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 29, 2025

Author Spotlight: Efficacy of Auricular Pressure Bean Therapy in Reducing Wheezing Symptoms
02:34

Author Spotlight: Efficacy of Auricular Pressure Bean Therapy in Reducing Wheezing Symptoms

Published on: May 10, 2024

1.3K

Epidemiology of wheeze among preschool children: a population-based cross-sectional study from rural Sri Lanka

Shashanka Indeevara Rajapakse Rajapakse Mudiyanselage1, Wadu Arachchige Dharshika Lakmali Amarasiri2, Bannek Mudiyanselage Gedara Duminda Yasaratne3

  • 1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka shashanka1015@gmail.com.

BMJ Open
|July 8, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Wheezing affects about 30% of preschool children in rural Sri Lanka. Key risk factors for severe wheeze include allergic rhinitis, dog exposure, and passive smoking, with cement floors showing a protective effect.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric respiratory health
  • Epidemiology of childhood wheeze

Background:

  • Wheezing is a common respiratory symptom in preschool children.
  • Understanding its prevalence and associated factors is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of wheeze in 3-6 year old children in rural Sri Lanka.
  • To identify factors associated with the severity of wheezing episodes.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based, cross-sectional study involving 1060 preschool children aged 3-6 years.
  • Utilized the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire.
  • Employed WHO 30 cluster methodology with probability proportionate to size sampling.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of ever wheezing was 30.47%, with 23.30% experiencing wheezing in the past year.
  • Severe wheezing episodes occurred in 7.17% of children, with only 35.53% diagnosed with asthma.
  • Independent risk factors for severe wheeze included allergic rhinitis, domestic dogs, skipjack tuna consumption, and passive smoking. Cement flooring was protective.

Conclusions:

  • Wheezing is prevalent in Sri Lankan preschoolers, often undiagnosed as asthma.
  • Allergic rhinitis, pet ownership, dietary factors, and passive smoking are significant risk factors for severe wheeze.
Abstract

Keywords:
asthmacommunity child healthepidemiologypaediatric thoracic medicinepublic healthwheeze

More Related Videos

Breath Collection from Children for Disease Biomarker Discovery06:09

Breath Collection from Children for Disease Biomarker Discovery

Published on: February 14, 2019

7.1K
Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children10:57

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children

Published on: August 22, 2012

23.9K

Related Concept Videos

Bias in Epidemiological Studies01:29

Bias in Epidemiological Studies

Biases can arise at various stages of research, from study design and data collection to analysis and interpretation. Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential to ensure the validity and reliability of epidemiological findings.Broadly speaking, biases in epidemiology fall into three main categories: selection bias, information bias, and confounding. A more detailed description of possible biases is:  
868
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
2.8K
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
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:
3.4K
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.
885
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies01:27

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
2.7K
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...
2.9K