APPROACH TO WHEEZY INFANT IN PRIMARY CARE

Abstract

The term wheezy infant is a clinical diagnosis, describe the wheeze in child that lasts longer than a month, and / or three or more recurrent wheezing attacks and can be developed many of intrapulmonary or extrapulmonary reasons. Wheezing is one of the most common symptoms for children and various studies indicates that 10-15% of the infants and 25% of the children under 5 years of age undergone at least once a respiratory disease associated with wheezing. While the prevalence of the wheezing of children under 5 years old is between 15-32% in the developed countries, it is 15.1% in Turkey according to a research that includes 46.813 children. Wheezing is common in children than in adults, as it’s because the children have narrower airways than from adults, more resistance to air exposure and insufficient chest expandability, elastic tissue and lack of collaterals in children. Wheezy children are quite a large portion that the children\'s age group of patients seen in primary care. For this reason, the family physicians should be qualified to perform the differential diagnoses for wheezing, organize the treatment and manage the process by including consultation and referral if necessary. Especially infants with wheeze under two months, persistent wheeze, significant respiratory distress, growth retardation, children with wheezing accompanied by systemic signs should be directed to a specialist. As well as chronic diseases such as asthma often develops, changes may occur over time, parents may experience some anxiety. The primary care physician who gives continuously, comprehensive services can play a very important role to eliminate this fear and to educate them for increasing their knowledge, skills and attitudes toward the illnesses.