Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
Published on: January 21, 2018
Rhinovirus bronchiolitis and recurrent wheezing: 1-year follow-up
F Midulla1, A Pierangeli, G Cangiano
1Dept of Paediatrics, Sapienza University Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy. midulla@uniroma1.it
Insights
Rhinovirus (RV) infection and a family history of asthma are key predictors of recurrent wheezing in infants after their first bronchiolitis episode. This finding helps identify infants at higher risk for developing persistent respiratory issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- The link between bronchiolitis and recurrent wheezing in infants is not fully understood.
- Identifying risk factors for recurrent wheezing is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate risk factors for recurrent wheezing in infants following their first hospitalization for bronchiolitis.
- To determine the association between specific viral infections and recurrent wheezing.
Main Methods:
- Prospective follow-up of 313 infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis.
- Collection of demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, including nasal wash virus assays.
- 12-month follow-up using parental interviews to assess recurrent wheezing.
Main Results:
- Infants with bronchiolitis had a significantly higher rate of recurrent wheezing (52.7%) compared to controls (10.3%).
- Rhinovirus (RV) infection (OR 3.3) and a family history of asthma (OR 2.5) were identified as independent risk factors.
- RV infection emerged as a significant predictor of recurrent wheezing post-bronchiolitis.
Conclusions:
- Rhinovirus infection is strongly associated with recurrent wheezing in infants after bronchiolitis.
- Family history of asthma is another significant risk factor.
- RV infection can help predict infants at risk for developing recurrent wheezing.
Abstract:
The association between bronchiolitis and recurrent wheezing remains controversial. In this prospective study, we assessed risk factors for recurrent wheezing during a 12-month follow-up in 313 infants aged <12 months hospitalised for their first episode of bronchiolitis. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were obtained with a questionnaire and from medical files. A total of 14 respiratory viruses were concurrently assayed in nasal washings. Parents were interviewed 12 months after hospitalisation to check whether their infants experienced recurrent wheezing. The rate of recurrent wheezing was higher in infants with bronchiolitis than in controls (52.7 versus 10.3%; p<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified rhinovirus (RV) infection (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.0-11.1) followed by a positive family history for asthma (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-4.9) as major independent risk factors for recurrent wheezing. In conclusion, the virus most likely to be associated with recurrent wheezing at 12 months after initial bronchiolitis is RV, a viral agent that could predict infants prone to the development of recurrent wheezing.
Related Concept Videos
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
