Should Inhaled Corticosteroids Be Used to Treat Recurrent Wheeze in Preschool Children?

Wheeze in preschool children is common. In a small proportion of children, it can be very troublesome, requiring repeated visits for medical attention. Response to treatment is variable and often disappointing. Children with frequent wheeze, particularly if they have a family history of asthma, are likely to benefit from inhaled corticosteroids, in terms of both improved symptom control and reduced number and severity of exacerbations. Children with infrequent episodic wheeze do not benefit from regular inhaled corticosteroids, and their use should be avoided in children with this pattern of wheeze.