Preschool viral wheeze is common. A virus causes swelling, and mucus clogs the airways. It causes difficulty breathing and cough. It looks like asthma, however only happens once or twice in most children before they reach school age. About 1 in every 3 children with preschool wheeze will develop asthma later in life.
What symptoms do you get?
Wheeze is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when your child breathes out. Other symptoms may include coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
How is it diagnosed?
Preschool viral wheeze is typically diagnosed based on your child’s symptoms and a physical examination by a healthcare professional. Sometimes other tests are done if the wheeze is very severe.
What is the treatment?
The main treatment is inhaled Salbutamol. This medicine is breathed in through an inhaler regularly until the symptoms get better. Salbutamol works quickly, for a short time. Often another medicine is given by mouth which is a steroid called Prednisolone. Prednisolone works slowly, but lasts a long time. If your child is very unwell other treatments are given and your child may be kept in hospital until things improve. When it’s time to go home, you will be given a wheeze plan to follow at home.
Click on the image above to watch how to use an aerochamber spacer with a mask.
Remember, preschool viral wheeze should get better after a few days. If you are worried about your child you should get help quickly.
