Respiratory syncytial virus infection in children hospitalized for wheezing: Virus‐specific studies from infancy to preschool years

Abstract

Hospitalization for wheezing in infancy is associated with increased risk for later childhood asthma, particularly in children without RSV infection on admission, although children with RSV have also slightly increased risk for later asthma. However, mere serological evidence of RSV infection is not associated with the development of asthma. In addition to RSV, more attention should be paid to less virulent agents in order to find those wheezing infants who are at particular risk of later childhood asthma.