Viral infection as a precipitant of wheeze in children. Combined home and hospital study.

Sixteen children with asthma were studied for one year and viral isolation attempted during all episodes of wheezing. In 91 episodes investigated, 13 viruses were isolated (isolation rate 14%); whereas only one virus was isolated from 120 specimens taken when the children were symptom free. Rhinovirus was the commonest isolate and most were obtained during August, September, October. Episodes of wheezing associated with virus infection were not clinically different not more severe than those due to other precipitants.