Longitudinal Study of Subsequent Wheezing/Asthma Risk Among Children Hospitalized for Acute Respiratory Infections - Yichang City, Hubei Province, China, 2017-2024.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Severe respiratory infections in early life, particularly lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, may increase the risk of subsequent wheezing and asthma.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: Among the 22,460 children hospitalized for acute respiratory infections in Yichang, 2017-2024, a total of 1,463 subsequently developed wheezing/asthma. Bronchiolitis and pneumonia were associated with the highest subsequent wheezing/asthma risk relative to upper respiratory tract infection or influenza, with excess risk concentrated within the first 2 years after hospitalization; only bronchiolitis remained significantly associated with subsequent wheezing/asthma during the 2 to <4 years period.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: Children hospitalized with bronchiolitis or pneumonia should undergo systematic post-discharge follow-up and early asthma screening during the first two years after discharge. Extended follow-up for four years after discharge may be warranted for children hospitalized with bronchiolitis.