Viral induced wheeze - children
A viral induced wheeze is a common condition in young children. It causes the child to become wheezy when they have a cold. It may occur with each cold the child has. It normally gets better as the child gets nearer to school age.
Does this mean my child has asthma?
No. Some children will go on to have asthma but most will not.
Children with asthma often get wheezy when they don’t have a cold. In these children, a wheeze may be triggered by other things; such as exercise, pollen or pets.
If your child has wheezy episodes, or a night time cough when they don’t have a cold, please speak to your GP (doctor).
Does my child need any medication?
They should take their inhaler (usually blue):
- 1st and 2nd day: 4 to 6 puffs every 4 hours
- 3rd and 4th day: 2 to 4 puffs every 6 hours
- 5th day onwards: 2 puffs when needed
Please make sure you give all inhalers through a spacer. This makes sure the child gets all the medication they need, directly to their lungs.
For advice on using your child’s spacer, visit the Asthma and Lung website: How to use your inhaler | Asthma + Lung UK (asthmaandlung.org.uk)
Occasionally, some children need steroid tablets. If your child has been given these please follow the directions on the packet.
Children with a viral induced wheeze don’t usually need antibiotics.
What should I do if my child gets worse?
If your child doesn’t seem to be improving after 48 hours please request a same day appointment with their GP (doctor).
If your child:
- is too breathless to talk, walk or eat or
- has a tight chest, is wheezy or is finding it hard to breathe
You need to sit your child up and give them one puff of their reliever inhaler every 30 seconds up to a maximum of 10 puffs.
If this doesn’t help, or you are worried, call 999 for an ambulance.
If your child is needing their reliever inhaler more than every four hours, or you have to give them 10 puffs, please bring them to the Emergency Department.
Is there anything else I can do to help my child?
It is very important not to smoke around your child as this can worsen their breathing.
Even smoking outside will affect your child as smoke can stay on clothes for several hours.
Reviewed by Dr A Taylor in February 2023, next review in February 2025.
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