[Etiology and therapy of obstructive respiratory tract diseases in infancy and early childhood].

Wheezing disorders in early childhood are frequent, nevertheless little is known about their heterogeneous aetiology. In the last few years there has been increasing evidence of antenatal as well as postnatal influences which can make infants more prone to wheezing episodes. This review tries to classify various groups of wheezing disorders based on risk factors such as allergy, developmental differences in airway mechanics or association with viral infections. On this basis the different therapeutic regimens and particularly the effect of anti-inflammatory treatment with inhaled corticosteroids in this age group are discussed. New concepts of anti-inflammatory treatment for croup syndromes are summarised.