TITLE:
Analysis of Risk Factors for Wheezing Episodes Triggered by Rhinovirus Respiratory Tract Infection in Children
AUTHORS:
Kefan Xiang, Ling Chen
KEYWORDS:
Human Rhinovirus, Pediatric Wheezing, Risk Factors, Host Susceptibility, Viral Properties, Environmental Exposures, Immune Response
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.8,
August
25,
2026
ABSTRACT: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is the most common disease in pediatrics. Among the implicated respiratory pathogens, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus (RV) are the major pathogens causing wheezing in children. Pediatric wheezing is defined as a high-pitched, continuous, abnormal breath sound produced predominantly during the expiratory phase due to airway narrowing or obstruction that leads to airflow limitation; it typically manifests as a whistling or wheezing sound. With the continuous progress of molecular diagnostic techniques, human rhinovirus (HRV) infection has become increasingly prominent in wheezing disorders among preschool children. The risk factors for wheezing episodes following HRV infection involve multiple dimensions. This article will explore their roles from three perspectives: viral factors, host factors, and environmental factors. In terms of viral factors, it analyzes the virulence differences among different serotypes/genotypes. Regarding host factors, it examines the roles of age differences, atopic predisposition, and genetic susceptibility in triggering wheezing. With respect to environmental factors, it analyzes the differential effects of air quality, season, and allergen exposure on the induction of wheezing. This article aims to provide a reference for the early clinical identification of high-risk children and the optimization of intervention strategies, and to explore the relationship between RV infection and wheezing episodes in children, thereby offering strong support for optimizing treatment strategies and for the prevention and control of wheezing symptoms triggered by rhinovirus respiratory tract infection in children.