Etiology of preschool children applying wheezing to pediatric emergencypoliclinic

Aim: Wheezing is a common finding in preschool childhood and is an important symptom because it's a precursor to asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that trigger wheezing in preschool patients who applied to the pediatric emergency department with wheezing. Symptoms, physical examination, nasopharyngeal swab PCR/ viral panel and allergic susceptibility survey were planned. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 199 preschool patients who applied to the Pediatric Emergency Clinic of Çukurova University Balcalı Hospital between November 2017-January 2019. Data form was created for all patients in terms of allergic susceptibility. Form was included; gender, age, admission date, presenting symptoms, perinatal and early childhood risk factors, environmental exposure, parental education level, family history, modified ISAAC questions, physical examination findings, attack severity score and laboratory findings if available. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from all patients. Presence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus (RV), influenza A and B, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), human coronavirus (hCOV), parainfluenza virüs (hPIV) was investigated using PCR tests in Virology Laboratory. Results: 115 patients (% 57,8) were male and totally 199 were included in the study. Respiratory virus was detected in 134 (% 67,3) patients. Most commonly rhinovirus was seen followed by RSV, influenza A, hCOV, hPIV, hMPV and influenza B. 100 (% 50) single and 34 (% 17,1) multiple infections were seen. Rhinovirüs was most commonly seen in autumun, while RSV was seen in spring (p<0,05). More viruses were detected in patients with cough symptoms (p<0,05). No association was found between the other parametres in the data form and virus positivity. Rhinovirus is the most influential virus in quality of life. RSV was more common in patients with first wheezing episode. Conclusion: Our study shows that respiratory viruses are an important cause in preschool children presenting with wheezing attacs. Since wheezing is an important symptom of asthma, we think that identifying viruses and other factors that trigger wheezing can lead to the development and prediction of asthma and therefore control of the disease.