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Wheezing in Children

Recurrent wheezing in young children may have many viral and allergic causes.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Wheezing in Children?

Wheezing is a high-pitched musical respiratory sound heard especially during expiration. About 30% of children younger than 6 experience at least one episode of wheezing; only a portion of this group progresses to true asthma.

Wheezing phenotypes in young children: transient early wheezing (up to age 3, virus-triggered, self-resolving), non-atopic wheezing (between ages 3 and 6, virus-triggered, decreases at school age), and early-onset persistent asthma (with an atopic background, persisting at school age).

In recurrent wheezing, the API (Asthma Predictive Index) or modified API is used for the diagnosis of asthma. More than one severe attack or the presence of atopy supports early preventive treatment.

Symptoms

Expiratory wheezing sound (sometimes inspiratory)
Cough, especially at night
Shortness of breath and tachypnea
Feeding difficulty (in infants)
Worsening of attacks with viral upper respiratory infections
Intercostal retractions and cyanosis in severe attacks

Risk Factors

Family history of asthma or atopy
Personal atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis
Exposure to cigarette smoke
Early RSV bronchiolitis
Frequent exposure to viral infections (daycare or siblings)
Male sex (more common in early childhood)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Always for the first wheezing attack
  • Severe wheezing and shortness of breath together with fever
  • Inadequate response to inhaled salbutamol
  • For diagnosis and a control plan in recurrent attacks

Treatment Methods

01
Acute attack: nebulized salbutamol or metered-dose inhaler (with spacer)
02
Systemic corticosteroid: in moderate to severe attacks
03
Virus prophylaxis (palivizumab for RSV in high-risk infants)
04
Assessment of prophylactic inhaled corticosteroids for recurrent wheezing
05
Trigger-avoidance education (smoking, allergens)
06
Lung function follow-up with spirometry or oscillometry (from an appropriate age)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.