Demographic characteristics and the risk factors affecting attacks in wheezy infants

Wheezing is a frequently encountered clinical entity by the pediatricians. Early disease-related symptoms have been reported to begin before the age of two among one third of the asthmatic children, who were diagnosed before the age of five. Recurrent episodes of wheezing might have an effect on nutritional status, quality of daily life, growth and development of the children. Because of the morbidity and mortality, as well as the long-term sequelae emerging at advanced ages, early detection of persistent wheezing and reducing underlying risk factors are significantly important.In the current study, we evaluated demographic characteristics of the children experiencing recurrent episodes of wheezing attacks and the factors triggering these attacks, and consequently, we detected no statistically significant difference between the two genders with regard to the number of wheezing attacks over the last year.The average age of the patients at admission was found as 19.63 ± 8.76 months. When we evaluated the average age by the number of attacks, we demonstrated higher average age levels in those with less than three average number of attacks over the last year, which was interpreted as statistically significant (p <0.05). Decreased number of wheezy attacks with age was compatible with the literature, as well.In our study, there was no significant relationship between the frequency of wheezing attacks and gestational age, birth weight, and children?s environmental characteristics. Additionally, with regard to the family history of atopy, no statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups. When we compared the children of the smoking and non-smoking parents in terms of the number of wheezing attacks, we could not find any statistically significant difference between them.When we evaluated the relationship between the number of wheezing attacks and leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels, we could not find any statistically significant correlation. The average age of the participants was between 5-36 months. Moreover, viral agents are known as the most common cause of the wheezing attacks in this age group. With this approach, it was considered significant that no statistically significant difference was detected between the groups with regard to leukocyte count, as well as other inflammatory markers.The most common chest X-ray findings observed in our patients were prominence in bronchovascular structures and infiltrations, which were consistent with the data in the literature, as well.Furthermore, we investigated gastroesophageal reflux by gastroesophageal reflux scintigraphy and esophagogastroduedenography and 18.2% of the participants was found positive.In consequence of all the patients were admitted with the symptom of wheezing, we achieved some results inconsistent with the literature. We also aimed to investigate in which of the participating children wheezing attacks that may relapse.Socio-economic factors have a considerably important effect on the emergence, severity, and recurrence of the wheezing attacks. In terms of recurrent episodes of wheezing, identifying the risk factors leading to wheezing attacks and taking the essential steps to prevent these attacks are highly important for the general health status and development of the infants.Key words: Wheezy child, etiology, risk factors.