What condition is characterized by rhinorrhea, cough, and wheezing in a child under 2 years old?

The condition characterized by rhinorrhea, cough, and wheezing in a child under 2 years old is bronchiolitis. This common viral infection primarily affects infants and young children, causing inflammation and congestion in the small airways (bronchioles) of the lungs.

In bronchiolitis, the wheezing is due to the narrowing of these small airways, which becomes obstructed by the swelling and increased mucus production typically resulting from viral infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The presence of rhinorrhea indicates significant nasal congestion and drainage, which is also typical in bronchiolitis. Additionally, cough and wheezing are prominent symptoms that help differentiate it from other respiratory conditions in this age group.

Pneumonia tends to present with more severe respiratory symptoms and often includes fever, modified breath sounds, or abnormal lung findings on examination, which are not always present in bronchiolitis. Asthma, while it can cause wheezing, is less common in infants and typically presents with a different pattern of symptoms, including a history of atopy. Allergic rhinitis is mostly characterized by nasal symptoms and would not typically cause significant wheezing or cough in such a young child.

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