Risk Factors and Characteristics of Early Childhood Wheezing Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Wheezing in early childhood is a prevalent condition that represents a major health problem and frequently results in significant morbidity and healthcare resource utilisation. This study aimed to identify risk factors for wheezy chest in children aged ≤ 2 years and to compare the characteristics of first-time versus recurrent attacks. A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted in the paediatric department at Al-Bayda Medical Centre (AMC) from March 2021 to March 2022. A total of 100 children aged ≤ 2 years who presented with wheeze were randomly selected using a structured clinical questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS software. Chi-square and t-tests were used to determine significant associations. Of the 100 enrolled children, 63% were male, and 37% were female; the mean age was 8.85 ± 6.26 months. Regular vaccination was observed in 73%, exclusive breastfeeding in 14%, a family history of asthma in 65%, and household smoking exposure in 58%. First-time attacks were reported in 48% of patients, while 52% had recurrent attacks. No statistically significant associations were found between attack type and age, gender, body weight, feeding type, prophylactic vitamin D3, family history of atopy, or smoking exposure (p > 0.05). Recurrent attacks showed statistically significant associations with paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission (p = 0.003) and ward admission (p = 0.001). Associated symptoms included fever (56%), cyanosis (26%), and diarrhoea (28%); only diarrhoea was significantly associated with attack type (p = 0.039). Chest radiography was performed in 61.5% of recurrent wheezers versus 66.7% of first-attack wheezers, with no statistically significant difference. A positive family history of asthma, passive smoking, and lack of breastfeeding are the primary risk factors for wheezy chest in children aged ≤ 2 years. Targeted health education programmes are essential to reduce trigger factors, particularly passive smoking, and to encourage exclusive breastfeeding to prevent complications.