Asthma and Wheezing in the First Years of Life

A guide for health professionals The aim of this paper is to provide an up-to-date evidence-based summary of the issues around asthma and wheezing in the first years of life. A consumer brochure on this topic is also available. These documents were produced by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Contents Key messages (Level of evidence III-2)
Asthma and wheezing – is prevention possible?
Quality of the evidence
Wheezing in childhood
Factors associated with wheezing
Predicting whether wheeze is due to asthma
Early life origins of asthma
Further information
References

Technical writers

Jenny Zangger and Elizabeth Hall

© Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing 2005

Disclaimer

The information contained in this paper has been expert reviewed and represents the available literature at the time of review. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be referred to a medical practitioner.

Further information

Representatives from the National Asthma Council, Asthma Australia and Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing were involved in the editorial process for this paper.

National Asthma Council 

The National Asthma Council website contains information and publications on asthma and has links to other asthma sites   www.NationalAsthma.org.au

Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing

Information on the Australian Government’s Asthma Management Program and copies of resources for health professionals and consumers can be found on the Department of Health and Ageing’s websites:
www.health.gov.au/pq/asthma
www.healthinsite.gov.au

Asthma Foundations of Australia

Patients can contact their local Asthma Foundation on 1800 645 130 or visit their websites:

Asthma Foundations of Australia	www.asthmaaustralia.org.au
Asthma Foundation of New South Wales	www.asthmansw.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Northern Territory	www.asthmant.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Queensland	www.asthmaqld.org.au
Asthma Foundation of South Australia	www.asthmasa.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Tasmania	www.asthmatas.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Victoria	www.asthma.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Western Australia	www.asthmawa.org.au

This series on Asthma Topics for Health Professionals comprises eight separate titles:

1  Asthma and Allergy
2  Asthma and Lung Function Tests
3  Asthma and Pain Relievers
4  Asthma and Air Pollution
5  Asthma and Complementary Therapies
6  Asthma and Infant Bedding
7  Asthma and Diet in Early Childhood
8  Asthma and Wheezing in the First Years of Life

To access these documents log on to: www.NationalAsthma.org.au or the Department of Health and Ageing on 1800 500 053.