Approach to the Wheezy Child

Key points

• • Under 1 year: think bronchiolitis (RSV) - coryza then wheeze and poor feeding; supportive care.
• • Over 1 year with recurrent, reversible wheeze: viral-induced wheeze or asthma - trial a bronchodilator.
• • Sudden wheeze in a previously well child - consider an inhaled foreign body.
• • Assess severity - work of breathing, oxygen saturation, and the ability to feed and talk.