Viral-induced wheeze

Viral‑induced wheeze is a common breathing problem in children under three. It occurs during a viral infection, when the airways narrow and fill with mucus, causing breathing difficulty and a wheezing sound.

It’s also known as reactive airways disease (RAD), preschool wheeze, or childhood asthma. While usually triggered by viruses, it can also be linked to floppy airways (bronchomalacia), asthma in older children, or exposure to cigarette smoke.