Recurrent wheezing is a common pediatric concern, potentially leading to chronic respiratory disorders such as asthma. Understanding how these episodes affect pulmonary function is crucial for early intervention and management. This study aims to compare pulmonary function parameters between children with and without recurrent wheezing episodes to determine the impact of wheezing on respiratory health. A cross‐sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 120 children, divided equally between those with recurrent wheezing and those without. Standard pulmonary function tests, including Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and the FEV1/FVC ratio, were performed. Environmental and genetic factors were also assessed to evaluate their relationship with wheezing. Children with recurrent wheezing exhibited significantly lower FEV1 and FVC values compared to their non‐wheezing counterparts (P‐values of 0.025 and 0.030, respectively). The FEV1/FVC ratio was also lower in the wheezing group (P‐value=0.045). Additionally, exposure to tobacco smoke and a genetic history of asthma were significantly associated with wheezing (Pvalues of 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). The study highlights significant impairments in pulmonary function among children with recurrent wheezing compared to those without. Environmental factors, especially tobacco smoke exposure, along with genetic predispositions, are strongly correlated with the presence of wheezing. These findings suggest the need for targeted preventive strategies and interventions to mitigate the impact of these factors on children's respiratory health.
Deepak Ambadasrao Shukla, Prasun Bhattacharjee and Aditya Bhattacharjee. Comparative Study of Pulmonary Function in Children with and Without Recurrent Wheezing Episodes.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.4.193.197
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1816-3319/10.36478/makrjms.2024.4.193.197