Viral Induced Wheeze

Question 1

What is a viral induced wheeze?

Answer 1

an acute wheezy illness caused by a viral infection.

Question 2

what is the pathophysiology?

Answer 2

small children < 3yrs have small airways - they develop a small amount of inflammation and oedema when they get a virus.

the inflammation triggers the smooth muscles of the airways to constrict and narrows the space for the air to flow.

These reactions are not noticed in the elderly but are seen commonly in children.

Question 3

what children are more prone to airway swelling?

Answer 3

Hereditary - always ask about family history of viral induced wheeze

Question 4

what is the difference with viral induced wheeze vs asthma?

Answer 4

Viral induced wheeze - presents in children <3yrs, no atopic history (hay fever,a allergies, eczema), only occurs during viral infections.

Asthma - can be triggered by virus’ but has other triggers like exercise, cold weather, dust and strong emotions, clinical diagnosis, has reversible airway obstruction.

Question 5

what are signs of viral induced wheeze?

Answer 5

fever
cough
choryzal symptoms

For 1-2 days preceding the onset of other symptoms:
SOB
expiratory wheeze

Question 6

important to remember?

Answer 6

Neither viral induced wheeze or asthma has a focal wheeze - this shows obstruction or tumour

Question 7

what is the management for viral induced wheeze?

Answer 7

the same as acute asthma management in children