Differential Diagnosis of Wheezing in Children
William A. Howard MD1
1 Private practice in Washington, DC
Wheezing is a common symptom in infants and children, engendered by anatomic and developmental features as well as innate susceptibility to infection. Congenital anomalies also may involve the air passages, still further complicating differential diagnosis. From the foregoing discussion it is apparent that history and clinical evaluations remain of paramount importance in establishing the proper diagnosis with support from radiology and the laboratory. Because of the potentially serious import of wheezing in the child, early diagnosis and treatment are of utmost importance.
