Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Recurrent Wheezing in Children

Ayesha Naseem; Sohail Ashraf; Shiza Safdar; Yumna Zafar; Hajra Iqbal Alvi

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i3.799

Authors

Ayesha Naseem Department of Pediatrics, POF Hospital Wah Cantt, Pakistan.
Sohail Ashraf Department of Pediatrics, POF Hospital Wah Cantt, Pakistan.
Shiza Safdar Department of Pediatrics, POF Hospital Wah Cantt, Pakistan.
Yumna Zafar Department of Pediatrics, POF Hospital Wah Cantt, Pakistan.
Hajra Iqbal Alvi Department of Pediatrics, POF Hospital Wah Cantt, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i3.799

Keywords:

Vitamin D deficiency, Recurrent wheezing, Pediatrics

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune regulation and respiratory health, with its deficiency being implicated in recurrent wheezing among children. Given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pediatric populations, understanding its association with recurrent wheezing can guide preventive and therapeutic strategies. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency among the children with recurrent wheezing. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: The study was conducted between March 2024 to September 2024 in the Pediatrics Department of POF Hospital Wah Cantt. Methodology: A total of 95 children aged 2–5 years, with a history of at least three wheezing episodes in the past year, were included. Children with clinical rickets, prior vitamin D supplementation, or chronic illnesses affecting vitamin D metabolism were excluded. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using an ELISA kit and categorized as sufficient (>30 ng/mL), insufficient (21–29 ng/mL), or deficient (<20 ng/mL). Results: The mean age of participants was 3.49 ± 1.09 years, and the mean serum vitamin D level was 26.93 ± 9.36 ng/mL. Among the children, 56.8% were male, and 43.2% were female. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 27.4% of children, while 30.5% had insufficient levels, and 42.1% had sufficient levels. Younger children (2–3 years) exhibited a higher deficiency rate (35.4%) than older children (4–5 years) (p=0.003). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among children with recurrent wheezing and is significantly associated with younger age, female gender, and lower socioeconomic status.

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