Viral infections are the most common asthma triggers in adults and children. A viral wheeze in toddlers is different than asthma, although some children with the condition eventually develop asthma.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness. It affects your lungs and makes it harder to breathe. People with asthma may experience asthma exacerbations, or “attacks.” Pollen, dust, mold, exercise, and viruses can trigger an asthma attack.
Although not everyone is familiar with this type of trigger, viruses are one of the most common reasons for asthma attacks in children and adults.
Read this article to learn more about viral-induced asthma in kids and adults, including its mechanisms, symptoms, treatment, and prevention tips.
Viruses that can trigger an asthma episode are usually well-known respiratory bugs. These include:
Researchers don’t yet know the exact mechanism by which certain viruses can cause an asthma attack. Many
The symptoms of viral-induced asthma are similar to those caused by other asthma triggers. They include early and late symptoms.
Early asthma symptoms include:
Late symptoms of an asthma attack are more severe and can be life threatening. They include:
- blue or gray lips, face, or nails
- extreme shortness of breath, in which the neck and chest may be “sucked in” with each breath
- difficulty talking or walking
- confusion
- chest pain
- rapid heartbeat
How long does viral asthma last?
Viral-induced asthma can last longer than other asthma attacks. It can sometimes take days before you start feeling better, especially if left untreated.
Quick-relief (or rescue) asthma medications usually ease the symptoms quickly.
You can treat symptoms of viral asthma the same way you manage other types of asthma attacks. Asthma medications
- quick-relief (rescue) inhalers that provide rapid symptom relief
- short-acting beta-agonists (SABA), such as albuterol and levalbuterol
- anticholinergics, such as ipratropium
- long-term asthma control medications that help prevent, or lessen the severity of, future asthma attacks
- inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), such as fluticasone and budesonide
- oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone
- long-acting beta-agonists (LABA), such as formoterol and salmeterol
- combination inhalers that contain ICS and LABA, such as budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort) and fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair Diskus)
- leukotriene modifiers, such as montelukast
- biologics, such as omalizumab (Xolair) and dupilumab (Dupixent)
The following viruses usually cause viral asthma in children:
- RSV
- rhinovirus
- adenovirus
- metapneumovirus
- bocavirus
These viruses can cause bronchiolitis, or inflammation in the smallest air passages in your lungs called “bronchioles.” Bronchiolitis is the most common respiratory infection and the most common culprit of viral-induced wheezing in babies.
Severe cough during a respiratory infection is the most frequent symptom of viral asthma in children.
Not all asthma medications are appropriate for children. For example, most biologics are approved only for children over age 12.
Viral wheeze is a lung infection with symptoms similar to a common cold. It’s more common in children younger than age 3 because their airways are smaller. It’s different from bronchiolitis, although the same viruses can cause it.
The main symptom of this condition is wheezing, or an audible, whistle-like sound your child makes while breathing. It may sound like asthma, but it’s a different condition. However, some children who had viral wheeze will go on to develop asthma as they get older.
If a doctor thinks the wheezing is from asthma, they will sometimes treat toddlers with some asthma medications, such as albuterol. These medications do not usually help if the wheezing is not caused by asthma.
When to see a doctorAn asthma attack can be life threatening. Seek emergency medical care if you have trouble breathing that lasts a few minutes, especially if it’s accompanied by at least one of the following symptoms:
- coughing or wheezing
- a bluish color in your face, lips, or nails
- nausea or vomiting
- fainting or collapsing
- confusion
- lethargy
- difficulty standing
- difficulty speaking
- lightheadedness
- cold sweat
- fever
If you have asthma, you should see your doctor at least once a year and even more often if you have symptoms.
The best way to prevent viral-induced asthma attacks is to follow routines to prevent spreading respiratory infections. These include:
- getting all recommended vaccines, including those against the flu and COVID-19
- washing your hands frequently and thoroughly
- cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
- wearing a mask in public settings
- practicing physical distancing with people who are ill
- adhering to your asthma medication regimen
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A viral-induced asthma attack is a frequent complication of respiratory infections in people with chronic asthma. Its symptoms are similar to those caused by other asthma triggers but may last longer.
People usually treat viral asthma with rescue inhalers. In addition, long-term asthma medication may help prevent future asthma attacks.
Viral asthma attacks are common in children with chronic asthma. Severe bronchiolitis in early childhood may be a risk factor for asthma later on.
The most effective way to prevent viral asthma is to practice respiratory infection prevention techniques.