Wheezing following lower respiratory tract infections with respiratory syncytial virus and influenza A in infancy

We examined the incidence of subsequent wheezing in 292 children, hospitali zed for influenza A or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infection, during two consecutive seasons (November-December, 1993 an d March-April, 1995). Questionnaires concerning episodes of wheezing and kn own risk factors for wheezy bronchitis were mailed to parents I year after hospitalization. Sixty per cent of parents reported two or more episodes of wheezing following either influenza A or RSV. Hospitalization as a result of wheezing was necessary in 15% of the patients. The severity of the prima ry infection, as indicated by the need for treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU), was correlated with later wheezing. No additional significant r isk factors predicting later wheezing could he identified.