WALRI isn't a disease itself, but an acronym for Wheeze Associated Lower Respiratory Tract Infection. It refers to lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) that are accompanied by wheezing.
Essentially, WALRI describes a clinical presentation rather than a specific illness. It's a diagnosis that highlights two key features:
- Wheeze: A whistling or rattling sound in the chest, often heard during breathing, indicating airway narrowing.
- Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI): An infection affecting the lower airways, such as the bronchioles and lungs.
WALRI is particularly common in young children. The presence of wheezing alongside an LRTI can complicate diagnosis and treatment, as it might suggest conditions like asthma in addition to the infection.
Key Points:
- WALRI = Wheeze Associated Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
- It's not a specific disease but a description of an LRTI with wheezing.
- Common in young children.
