Management of viral-induced wheezing in the preschool child

Preschool wheeze Management Parent/carer education Guidelines Plan Wheezing is a common problem among preschool children (Bhatt, 2013), and its prevalence is rising in the UK (Kuehni et al, 2001). This has an inevitable impact on healthcare costs. Indeed, it is estimated that caring for this patient group costs around £53 million (Brand et al, 2008). This article informs general practice nurses (GPNs) about the condition which can vary greatly in frequency and acuity, so that appropriate supportive management and follow-up can be offered when a child presents with this condition to the surgery. The patient story sets the scene of a typical wheezing preschool child, and raises the questions about whether to treat or not to treat; the concerns parents have about treatment, acute episodes and the overall management of preschool children with wheeze.