Viral Wheeze

Question 1

Cause

Prevalence

Risk factors

Answer 1

Wheeze is a sound produced by the chest, mostly on exhalation

Airways become inflamed due to viral infection e.g cough, cold or chest infection

Common (1/3 of children), especially in first 2 years of life.

This is more likely if child born early, had previous bronchitis or been exposed to cigarette smoke

Question 2

Differentials

Answer 2

In asthma, wheeze occurs in the absence of a cough or a cold unlike in a viral wheeze. Asthma often has a family history of atopy. The wheeze is often also common with exercise in asthma
Asthma presents after the age of 2

Initially, foreign body may involve choking. If the foreign body is above the larynx, will have stridor. Wheeze only if below the larynx