Viral induced Wheeze

Question 1

What age does viral-induced wheeze typically affect?

Answer 1

Children under 3

Question 2

True or false: viral-induced wheeze only occurs during viral infections

Answer 2

True
However can also trigger sx of asthma which can be triggered by other factors like cold weather.

Question 3

What are common viral infections causing viral induced wheeze?

Answer 3

RSV
Rhinovirus

Question 4

What causes restricted air flow in viral induced wheeze?

Answer 4

Virus causes airway inflammation and oedema, narrowing diameter

Question 5

Minimal narrowing in a child’s airway with already small diameter leads to proportionally larger restriction in airflow causing…

Answer 5

SOB and wheeze

Question 6

What are signs of respiratory distress (may occur following viral sx)

Answer 6

Raised resp rate
Accessory muscle use
Recessions

Question 7

True or false, viral induced wheeze may present with a focal wheeze

Answer 7

False
If focal wheeze, investigate for focal airway obstruction like tumour or inhaled foreign body.
Needs urgent senior review.

Question 8

What is management for viral-induced wheeze?

Answer 8

Bronchodilators eg inhaled salbutamol
Steroids eg. oral prednisolone for 3 days
Supplementary oxygen