The wheezing infant.

In summary, wheezing is a common manifestation of viral respiratory tract disease in infancy. The precise pathogenetic mechanisms of virus-induced wheezing and its sequelae are not clear, although recent reports about participation of the cellular and humoral immune systems are promising. Although therapies like those used to treat asthma are employed in the treatment of virus-induced wheezing in infancy, their efficacy remains controversial in bronchiolitis. Recently developed agents with antiviral properties are promising and the choice of any of these agents in a therapeutic regimen should be individualized. Antiviral agents during acute infections may modify the long-term sequelae. Clearly, much work needs to be done to elucidate pathogenetic mechanisms, and to develop new, safe, and effective anti-inflammatory agents for the therapy of these disorders.