Viral induced wheezing, with Professor Sarath Ranganathan

The pollen and allergies podcast

In this episode, Professor Sarath Ranganathan delves into the intricate world of viral induced wheezing in children. With a wealth of expertise in pediatric respiratory health, Professor Ranganathan takes us on a journey through the anatomy of the respiratory system, explaining how airways function and how wheezing manifests.

Discover the nuances of this common childhood condition, as Professor Ranganathan deciphers the potential causes, ranging from narrow airways to inflammation. Gain valuable insights into the diagnosis process for children under five, and learn why recurrence and trigger identification are crucial for understanding and managing the condition.

Intrigued by medical terminology? Professor Ranganathan clarifies the distinctions between viral induced wheezing and other respiratory issues like croup, providing a clear roadmap for concerned parents and caregivers. Tune in to learn about the prognosis for children with this condition and the potential impacts on their lung function as they grow.

Explore treatment options, including the use of medications like inhaled corticosteroids, and gain a comprehensive understanding of their benefits and potential side effects. Join us for a thoughtful discussion that balances the concerns of parents with the expertise of a seasoned medical professional.

If you're a parent, caregiver, or simply curious about childhood respiratory health, this episode is packed with valuable information. Listen now and empower yourself with knowledge about viral induced wheezing in children, guided by the expertise of Professor Sarath Ranganathan.

Show Notes: Viral-Induced Wheezing in Children with Professor Ranganathan

- [00:00:10] Introduction to the topic of wheezing in children and Professor Ranganathan.

- [00:01:25] Explanation of what wheezing is and its relevance to children's health.

- [00:03:15] The difference between wheezing and stridor.

- [00:05:40] The anatomy of the lung and the growth process of a child's lungs.

- [00:07:20] How lung development in premature babies might be affected.

- [00:09:35] How a diagnosis is generally made based on a child's symptoms.

- [00:11:50] The significance of cough and its differentiation from wheezing.

- [00:13:30] How different triggers can induce wheezing, including pollen season, and environmental conditions.

- [00:18:51] Further exploration into croup and its viral triggers.

- [00:19:37] The causative factors behind coughing in children.

- [00:20:01] Discussing the seasonality of asthma triggers and how it affects kids.

- [00:21:00] The challenges in diagnosing asthma in young children.

- [00:22:20] The effectiveness and importance of preventive measures.

- [00:23:07] Ongoing research on treatments and understanding the inflammation process in wheezing children.

- [00:24:54] The role of biomarkers in studying wheezing and potential indicators for future wheezing tendencies.

- [00:26:43] Difficulties in researching and analyzing the minuscule structure of the lungs in children.

- [00:27:25] The prognosis for children with viral-induced wheezing and potential long-term effects.

- [00:29:55] Recommendations for parents noticing symptoms in their children.

- [00:32:39] Insights on the side effects and implications of steroid treatments.

- [00:34:06] Encouraging the audience to contribute to research and a brief discussion about funding for research.

- [00:36:59] Wrapping up the conversation with hopes for future research directions.