Infantile wheeze: rethinking dogma
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
de Benedictis, FM
Bush, A
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Wheeze is a common symptom in young children and is usually associated with viral illnesses. It is a major source of morbidity and is responsible for a high consumption of healthcare and economic resources worldwide. A few children have a condition resembling classical asthma. Rarer specific conditions may have a wheezy component and should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Over the last half century, there have been many circular discussions about the best way of managing preschool wheeze. In general, intermittent wheezing should be treated with intermittent bronchodilator therapy, and a controller therapy should be prescribed for a young child with recurrent wheezing only if positively indicated, and only then if carefully monitored for efficacy. Good multidisciplinary support, attention to environmental exposition and education are essential in managing this common condition. This article analyses the pathophysiological basis of wheezing in infancy and critically discusses the evolution of the scientific progress over time in this unique field of respiratory medicine.
Date Issued
2016-10-04
Date Acceptance
2016-09-17
Citation
Archives of Disease in Childhood, 2016, 102, pp.371-375
ISSN
0003-9888
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group
Start Page
371
End Page
375
Journal / Book Title
Archives of Disease in Childhood
Volume
102
Copyright Statement
© 2016 BMJ Publishing Group. This article has been accepted for publication in Archives of Disease in Childhood following peer review. The definitive copyedited, typeset version is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2016-311639
Identifier
PII: archdischild-2016-311639
Subjects
infants
preschool children
wheezing
Pediatrics
1103 Clinical Sciences
1114 Paediatrics And Reproductive Medicine
1117 Public Health And Health Services
Publication Status
Published