Risk factors for wheezing disorders in infants in the first year of life living in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for wheezing disorders in the first year of life in infants living in São Paulo (SP), Brazil, applying the standardized protocol of the Estudio Internacional de sibilancia en lactentes-Phase 1. A total of 1014 parents or caregivers of infants, who attended for routine evaluation and immunization in public health centers were interviewed in Southern SP city. Risk factors significantly associated with recurrent wheezing were: history of previous pneumonia, daycare attendance, consumption of processed food, presence of a cat at home, more than five upper respiratory infection (URI) episodes and the first URI before the age of sixth month. Most of these risk factors for wheezing can be avoided or controlled. Prospective studies on wheezing, especially in children with a severe presentation, are needed to analyze the impact of these risk factors and the effect of preventive actions. © The Author [2012]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.