Background: The infant with persistent or recurrent wheezing during the fir
st 2 years of life poses a diagnostic dilemma, which can be a source of anx
iety to both physicians and parents. A suggested diagnostic approach to the
causes of infantile wheezing is outlined.
Objectives: 1. To review the physiologic considerations of the infant's air
ways that predispose to wheezing. 2. To discuss the key physical findings,
family history, and risk factors associated with wheezing in infants. 3. To
develop a rational approach to the differential diagnosis and management o
f infantile wheezing.
Data Sources: The MEDLINE database as well as our clinical experience perta
ining to infantile wheezing.
Conclusions: This review discusses the diagnostic evaluation and treatment
of the wheezing infant. We suggest that infant pulmonary function testing m
ay be used as one diagnostic aid in the workup of the wheezing infant.