Viral episodic wheeze

Definition

Non-atopic LRT disorder
in pre-school children

Epidemiology

Common in young children
(<5y, peaks age 3y)

Pathophysiology

Agent
Common cold viruses e.g. RSV

Mechanism
Small airways in young childrren more likely to
narrow and obstruct due to inflammation in
response to viral infection

Risk factors

Maternal smoking
During/after pregnancy

M>F

Clinical
presentation

Diagnosis

Management

Prognosis

Usually resolves by 5y

Coryza

Cough

Wheeze
Episodic, during viral infection

Examination

Investigations

History

Per asthma

Resp
Wheeze, dry cough, corzya

POH
Bloods, scans, growth, gestation,
delivery, weight, complications

PMH
Growth and development
Known medical conditions

PC/HPC
Wheeze, cough, coryza
Previous episodes

DH
Meds, allergies

FH
Viral wheeze, asthma

SH
Living arrangements, nursery/school,
parental smoking status

Bedside
Obs (fever etc.)