Etiology and risk factors of infantile wheezing

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To study the etiology and risk factors of infantile wheezing. METHODS: The clinical data of 180 infants with wheezing were retrospectively studied. The risk factors for wheezing attacks were investigated by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Viral infection (33.3%) was the most common cause for wheezing attacks, followed by asthma (19.4%), parental smoking and special environments (15.6%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (12.8%), premature delivery (7.8%), Mycoplasma infection (6.7%), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (4.4%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed 7 factors that significantly correlated with wheezing attacks: allergic history of parents, sensitization to alimentary or inspiratory allergens, viral or Mycoplasma infection, premature delivery and special environments. CONCLUSIONS: The commonest cause of infantile wheezing is viral infection, followed by asthma. Genetic factors, individual atopic constitution and environmental factors play important roles in wheezing attacks.