Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Clinical Science Branch, College of Medicine, University of Al Sulaimani, Kurdistan region, Iraq.
2
Professor of Pediatric Cardiology, Clinical Science Branch , College of Medicine, University of Al Sulaimani, Kurdistan region.
3
Consultant Pulmonologist & Consultant Internist, Clinical Science Branch , College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan region of Iraq.
10.22038/psj.2025.91885.1498
Abstract
Introduction:
Wheezing in children is a common symptom of respiratory disorders and is associated with allergic sensitization. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between biomarkers of allergic sensitization (serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and peripheral eosinophil count) and the severity of wheezing symptoms among school-aged children and adolescents in Sulaimani City.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2025 at two major pediatric respiratory centers. Ninety-five children aged 6–18 years with documented wheeze were recruited consecutively. Demographics, clinical history, environmental exposures, and spirometry data were collected. Serum IgE levels and eosinophil counts were measured. Continuous variables were reported as mean ± standard deviation, while categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages Spirometry results, both pre- and post-bronchodilator, were categorized into severe, moderate, or mild obstruction based on FEV1 values.
Results:
The mean age of the subjects was 9.6 years, with 71.6% being male. In a study of 66 children with asthma, pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry revealed a reduction in the proportion of children with severe persistent asthma after bronchodilator use (from 25.8% to underwent 13.3%). Among the 30 children post-bronchodilator testing, 64.3% showed a positive response (≥12% increase in FEV1), indicating reversible airway obstruction. These results highlight the effectiveness of bronchodilators in improving pulmonary function in children with asthma.
Conclusion:
Higher IgE and eosinophil levels strongly correlate with wheezing severity. Including these biomarkers in routine assessment is advisable, especially where environmental or family atopic risk is high.
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