Viral lower-respiratory infection (usually RSV) in infants <2 y causing wheeze and respiratory distress.
Clinical features
- • Coryza progressing to cough, wheeze
- • Tachypnoea, recessions
- • Poor feeding
- • Apnoea (young infants)
Examination
- • Fine crackles + wheeze
- • Hyperinflation
- • Hypoxia
Investigations
- • Clinical diagnosis
- • NPA for RSV if admitted
- • CXR only if atypical
- • Capillary blood gas if severe
Differential diagnosis
- • Pneumonia
- • Heart failure
- • Foreign body aspiration
- • Pertussis
Management
- • Supportive: O₂ to keep SpO₂ ≥92%, NG/IV fluids
- • HFNC / CPAP for moderate–severe
- • Bronchodilators NOT routinely indicated
Drug therapy
- • Palivizumab prophylaxis in high-risk preterm
- • Avoid steroids/antibiotics unless co-infection
Complications
- • Respiratory failure
- • Apnoea
- • Secondary bacterial infection
Clinical pearls
- • Most <12 m infants manage at home; admit if SpO₂ <92%, poor feeding, apnoea
Educational — verify locally.
