Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2025
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Recurrent wheezing and asthma-Epidemiology and environmental determinants
1Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.
Insights
Wheeze, a common childhood respiratory symptom, can progress to asthma. Identifying wheezing phenotypes in young children aids in predicting and potentially preventing childhood asthma development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Wheeze is a common respiratory sound in young children, with approximately 50% experiencing an episode by age six.
- Asthma, characterized by wheeze, cough, chest tightness, and rapid breathing, is a growing global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).
- Recurrent wheezing, defined as four or more episodes in a year, presents diverse phenotypes and features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between preschool wheezing and the development of childhood asthma.
- To discuss the epidemiology and environmental factors influencing recurrent wheezing and asthma.
- To highlight the utility of wheezing phenotypes in identifying children at risk for asthma.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies on wheezing and asthma prevalence.
- Analysis of factors contributing to the progression from wheezing to asthma.
- Discussion of wheezing phenotypes and their clinical significance.
Main Results:
- Wheezing is a prevalent condition in early childhood.
- Asthma prevalence is increasing globally, with a notable rise in LMIC.
- Specific wheezing phenotypes are associated with an increased risk of developing childhood asthma.
Conclusions:
- Understanding wheezing phenotypes is crucial for early asthma risk identification in children.
- Environmental determinants play a significant role in the development of recurrent wheezing and asthma.
- Further research into wheezing phenotypes can inform targeted prevention strategies for childhood asthma.
Abstract:
Wheeze is the musical continuous sound produced by oscillations in any critically narrowed airways, and heard mostly on expiration. It is common in preschool age, about half of all children will experience an episode of wheezing by their sixth birthday. Asthma is usually characterized by cough, wheeze, chest tightness and fast breathing. It is a significant global health issue and affects both children and adults. The prevalence is on the increase, especially in LMIC. Studies from different populations have revealed the key role influencing the progression from preschool wheezing to childhood asthma. Recurrent wheezing is four or more episodes in the preceding year and has a spectrum of phenotypes and with heterogeneous features. Phenotypes of wheezing were proposed to facilitate the identification of young children who are at risk of subsequent development of asthma. The epidemiology and environmental determinants of recurrent wheezing and asthma are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
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.
01:24Asthma-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:
02:06Allergic Reactions