Risk Factors of Chronic Cough and Wheezing in Outpatient and Hospitalized Children

Abstract

Background: Wheezing and chronic cough are the most common respiratory disorders in children. They, as a multifactorial disorder, have different respiratory-associated illnesses and occur due to different etiologies. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the correlation between wheezing and cough conditions and different probable risk factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and hospital-based study conducted on 485 children with wheezing and chronic cough in hospitalized and outpatients. The pediatrician confirmed these disorders after evaluating children’s respiratory systems. Interns filled out the related standardized questionnaires for evaluating the risk factors. Results: In total, 485 children were evaluated, 268 children (55.3%) were male, and 217 children (44.7%) were female. Smoke and steam were recorded as the most common etiologies and risk factors of chronic cough and wheezing. Other factors evaluated in this study included 14% dust, 9% flowers, and plants, 10.9% cold air, 5.8% sporting, 4.5% spicy, and 35.7% other stimulants foods, and out of these factors had other stimulating factors (P = 0.0001). Conclusions: Based on these findings, lifestyle, diet, location, contact with triggers, treatment, and control of underlying disease, environmental hygiene, and type of fuel consumption may be effective in reducing the symptoms.