Preschool wheeze: pathogenetic factors

Abstract

Definition and causes of wheeze Prevalence studies of recurrent wheeze in children under five 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. Episodic cough and wheezing is common in nonasthmatic children. Young children with multipletrigger wheeze are more likely to have asthma compared to those with episodic (viral) wheeze. Atopic features, family history, and association between wheeze and colds or other triggers such as cigarette smoke, allergens, and exercise help predicting asthma.