Summary
Wheezing is a common outcome of preterm birth, and its mechanism in
preterm children differs from that of asthma in term children. Risk
factors for wheezing as well as factors associated with a lower risk of
wheezing have been identified through multiple cohort studies of preterm
infants and children. Despite the high prevalence of wheezing in the
preterm population, there is little high-quality evidence to guide its
treatment. Inhaled BDs improve lung function in preterm children, but
the effect of ICS on preventing wheezing episodes is unclear. Further
research is needed to develop better methods to predict wheezing risk in
preterm infants and treatment to prevent episodes of wheezing.