Behaviour problems in early life precede the development of wheezing. Researchers from the University of Manchester compared the rate of significant behaviour in 397 children at 3 years of age, who never wheezed and 39 children who developed wheezing after the age of 3 years. Children who wheezed were more likely to have significant behaviour problems at the age of 3 years as compared to those who didn't. Scores on family functioning factors were also worse in the families of children who developed late onset of wheezing. However, parental anxiety and depression scores were not increased. Further analysis showed significant and independent associations between increased risk of late onset of wheezing in children and having a mother with asthma or who smoked. Behavioural difficulties are therefore associated with an increased risk of developing wheezing. Whether interventions can prevent the development of behaviour problems in young children, and potentially reduce the development of asthma requires further investigation.
American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine,
March 2005