Viral Wheeze

This is an acute wheezy illness most commonly caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) or Rhinovirus.

It presents similarly to Asthma, but its distinguishing features include:

• Child < 3 years

• No atopic history

• Only occurs during viral infections – Asthma is also triggered by viral infections, but it has many other triggers as well

It presents with evidence of a viral infection that precedes the onset of symptoms:

• Expiratory wheeze

• SOB

• Signs of respiratory distress

It's managed with symptomatic relief, and is similar to the options used in acute asthma e.g. oxygen, nebulised bronchodilators.