Many children are diagnosed with asthma, but not all children who wheeze have the condition. Wheezing is common in preschool aged children. It is more likely to be caused by inflammation triggered by colds than due to allergies. Previous infection with RS virus, the cause of bronchiolitis in infancy, can also lead to episodes of recurrent wheezing. Allergies in this age group may herald the development of asthma.
In older children asthma and allergies often go together and an assessment of possible airborne allergic triggers can bring better understanding of trigger factors and more stable symptoms.
