viral wheeze management Flashcards
Should preschool children with viral episodic wheeze be diagnosed with asthma?
No, many preschool children will grow out of their illness by the age of 6.
What is the first-line treatment for viral-induced wheeze?
The first-line treatment is salbutamol.
What is Burst Therapy for viral-induced wheeze?
Burst Therapy is often used for viral-induced wheeze.
How is Burst Therapy administered?
The child is given 10 puffs of salbutamol using a high-volume spacer, with a puff given every 30-60 seconds. They are then assessed for a response to treatment, and this is repeated every 10-20 minutes.
What should be done if the child can last 4 hours without symptoms reappearing?
If the child can last 4 hours without symptoms reappearing, they can be discharged with a salbutamol weaning regime for the salbutamol inhaler with a spacer.
What is the follow-up plan for children with mild intermittent wheeze and respiratory symptoms that only occur with viral URTI?
Consider not giving maintenance treatment but planning a review in an agreed time interval.
What advice should be given to parents who are smokers?
Encourage parents who are smokers to stop.
When should follow-up be arranged after presentation or discharge for viral-induced wheeze?
Follow-up is required within 48 hours of presentation if not admitted to the hospital, or within 2 working days of discharge.
How should the diagnosis of viral-induced wheeze be explained to parents?
Explain that narrowing of the airways due to a viral chest infection causes difficulty breathing.
What is the purpose of inhaled medication for viral-induced wheeze?
Inhaled medication helps to open up the airways and make breathing easier.
What instructions should be given to parents upon discharge with a salbutamol and spacer?
Discharge with salbutamol and spacer, advising a maximum of 10 puffs through the spacer every 4 hours. If there is no response after 10 puffs, seek help.
What should parents do if their child is symptomatic 48 hours after discharge?
Seek help if the child is symptomatic 48 hours after discharge.
summarise viral episodic wheeze management
