Which sign is most characteristic of bronchiolitis in Sean's case?

Which sign is most characteristic of bronchiolitis in Sean's case?

• A. Wheezing
• B. Runny nose
• C. High fever
• D. Abdominal pain

Answer: (A)

Bronchiolitis involves inflammation and obstruction of the small airways (the bronchioles) from a viral infection, most often RSV. This narrowing causes turbulent airflow that produces a characteristic wheeze when listening to the chest. While a runny nose and cough can occur, they are common to many viral illnesses and aren’t as specific to bronchiolitis as the wheeze. A high fever isn’t typical for bronchiolitis (when present, it’s usually mild), and abdominal pain isn’t related to this respiratory condition. So the wheezing sign best reflects the lower-airway inflammation and obstruction seen in bronchiolitis.

Bronchiolitis involves inflammation and obstruction of the small airways (the bronchioles) from a viral infection, most often RSV. This narrowing causes turbulent airflow that produces a characteristic wheeze when listening to the chest. While a runny nose and cough can occur, they are common to many viral illnesses and aren’t as specific to bronchiolitis as the wheeze. A high fever isn’t typical for bronchiolitis (when present, it’s usually mild), and abdominal pain isn’t related to this respiratory condition. So the wheezing sign best reflects the lower-airway inflammation and obstruction seen in bronchiolitis.