VIral induced wheeze Flashcards
What is viral induced wheeze?
Wheeze caused by a viral infection
Why does viral induced wheeze occur?
Small children have small airways
Viral illness causes inflammation which leads to swelling and constriction of airways
Airflow through the narrow airways causes wheeze
What is the difference between viral induced wheeze and asthma?
Viral induced wheeze tends to occur in under 3
Only occurs during viral infections
No history of atopy in those with viral induced wheeze
What is the presentation of viral induced wheeze?
Shortness of breath
Signs of respiratory distress
Widespread expiratory wheeze across the chest
What is the first line treatment of viral induced wheeze?
Inhaled salbutamol given via a spacer
What are the red flags for viral induced wheeze?
Central cyanosis
Floppy infant
Tracheal tug
Costal recessions
Too breathless to feed/talk
