Acute Lower Respiratory Infections Research Articles

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major pathogen of acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. This review focuses on the progress of RSV vaccine development, especially subunit vaccines targeting the fusion protein (F) and attachment glycoprotein (G), aiming to summarize key strategies, challenges, and future directions in the field. Methods: The review is based on a comprehensive literature search and analysis of recent studies on RSV vaccine development, with a specific focus on subunit vaccines and related technologies. Results: Approved vaccines such as Abrysvo and Arexvy utilize structural engineering to stabilize the prefusion conformation of the F protein (PreF), thereby exposing neutralizing epitopes. Subunit vaccine candidates such as DS-Cav1 and DT-PreF enhance stability through disulfide bonds and dityrosine linkages, while ADV110 targets the conserved domain of the G protein to elicit cross-strain immunity. Virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines like IVX-A12 combine RSV and human metapneumovirus antigens to provide broad-spectrum immunity. However, challenges exist, including maintaining PreF stability, overcoming immunosenescence in the elderly, and addressing safety concerns like Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Conclusions: Future RSV vaccine development should center on combined PreF-G protein vaccines, VLP technology, and optimizing cold-chain logistics to improve global accessibility and overcome existing challenges, thereby providing more effective prevention and control of RSV infections.

BMAL1 modulates respiratory syncytial virus-induced inflammation through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway: insights into circadian regulation.

BackgroundThis study investigated the differences in clinical features of acute lower respiratory tract infection in children caused by suspected Omicron, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza virus A (Flu A).MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 241 hospitalized children with lower respiratory tract infections due to suspected Omicron, RSV, or Flu A at Chengdu Women and Children’s Central Hospital from December 9, 2022 to August 1, 2023. Differences in age, sex, clinical characteristics, laboratory results, imaging findings, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) results between the three viral infections were analyzed.ResultsPatients infected with suspected Omicron were predominantly infants and toddlers; in contrast, those infected with Flu A were mostly preschool children. Fever was most common in Flu A-infected patients, followed by RSV-infected and Omicron-infected patients. Inspiratory crackles in the lungs were most frequently observed in suspected Omicron-infected patients, whereas wheezing was more common in RSV-infected patients. No wheezing was observed in the lungs of any suspected Omicron-infected patients. Patients with both suspected Omicron and RSV infections had longer hospital stays. Notably, Flu A infection significantly decreased white blood cell count and increased neutrophil percentage (Neu%) compared with the other two infections. Furthermore, patients with suspected Omicron infection exhibited a pronounced reduction in Neu%; however, the decrease in lymphocyte percentage (Lym%) was considerable in all groups, with the Flu A-infected group showing the greatest decline. C-reactive protein levels were markedly higher in the RSV- and Flu A-infected groups. Liver function was significantly affected in suspected Omicron-infected patients, who were also more likely to have Mycoplasma pneumoniae or bacterial infections. Pulmonary consolidation was more common in suspected Omicron-infected patients, and they had the highest positive rate of FENO.ConclusionsThe clinical manifestations of suspected Omicron infection in patients with acute lower respiratory tract infections are similar to those of Flu A and RSV infections. However, these infections exhibit more severe liver function damage, lung consolidation, and airway inflammation. Paying attention to respiratory tract infections caused by the suspected Omicron virus in children is imperative to ensure timely and appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Promoting child vaccination remains crucial for safeguarding susceptible populations and protecting children’s health.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel series of conjugates of N1-(phosphonoalkyl)-1,2,3-triazoles and N3-benzyl-6-bromoquinazoline-2,4-diones with anti-RSV activity.

Ambient PM2.5: Health policy implications and management in Khuzestan, Iran.

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease and related urinary tract disorders (CKD-RD) significantly impact healthcare systems worldwide. In Ireland, there is little data on the burden and impact of CKD-RD on healthcare utilisation, thus limiting opportunities for intervention. This study determined the national burden, length of stay (LOS), associated costs, and in-hospital mortality of CKD-RD in the Irish health system. Method We analysed data from the national Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) in 2022, to identify all hospitalisations with a primary or additional diagnosis of CKD-RD defined by ICD-10 codes. We excluded infant admissions and cases where dialysis or kidney transplantation was the principal diagnosis. Major outcomes included hospitalisation rates, LOS, healthcare costs, and in patient mortality. We utilised general linear modelling (GLM) to estimate the effect of demographic and clinical characteristics on total costs and LOS and multivariable logistic regression to examine associations with in-hospital mortality. Results In 2022, CKD-RD accounted for 225,164 hospitalisations (13.1% of total), incurring €427 million in costs. After excluding dialysis and transplant admissions, 35,409 hospitalisations from 24,110 patients accounted for 422,738 bed days (€320.3 million in costs), with a mean LOS of 11.9 days. Diabetic kidney disease (49.3%), Tubulointerstitial kidney disease (9.1%), Other kidney and ureter disorders (6.7%), and Glomerular diseases (4.3%) were the most frequent contributing conditions to CKD burden. The most common principal diagnoses when CKD-RD was recorded as an additional diagnosis were Urinary system disorder (6,442/100,000 admissions), Acute kidney injury (3,764/100,000), Diabetes (Type 1: 2,540/100,000; Type 2: 2,489/100,000), Heart failure (2,362/100,000), Other sepsis (2,199/100,000), Acute lower respiratory infections (1,831/100,000) and Unspecified pneumonia (1,710/100,000). Emergency admissions accounted for 71.1% of cases, with 69% of patients eligible for free or reduced-cost healthcare. Advancing age, increasing Elixhauser comorbidity score, and acute kidney injury were strongly and significantly associated with increased LOS (P < 0.001), cost (P < 0.001), and in-hospital mortality (P < 0.001). Conclusion CKD-RD hospitalisations place a significant strain on the Irish healthcare system, particularly among older adults and those with complex comorbidities. Findings underscore the need for better prevention strategies and integrated care management programmes in order to reduce the health complications and economic consequences of CKD.

Combating the rise of drug-resistant organisms and minimizing side effects requires a shift in how we approach the duration of antibiotic therapy. A promising strategy involves tailoring the length of antibiotic therapy to patients' needs, allowing discontinuation once patients feel better. This study aims to assess whether shortening antibiotic therapy based on patients' recovery time is as effective as completing the full course in treating acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs). We plan to enroll a minimum of 474 outpatients ranging from 18 to 75 years of age with clinical features of acute RTIs across Spanish health centers. Patients diagnosed with acute lower RTIs or acute rhinosinusitis, deemed by clinicians to require a β-lactam course, will be randomized to either usual care, involving a full-course antibiotic therapy based on current guidelines, or a tailored approach. In the intervention group, patients will be advised to visit the center as soon as they feel better and are afebrile for a clinical assessment and C-reactive protein rapid testing. Treatment will be discontinued if these clinical results are normal. The primary outcome will be assessment of clinical resolution at day 14, while secondary outcomes include antibiotics given and duration; adherence to the prescribed antibiotic; other therapies given; early clinical assessment at day 7; days of severe, moderate, and any symptom, complications and reattendance within the first month; drug-related adverse events; absenteeism; and health-related quality of life. All participants will be given a symptom diary, recording their symptoms each evening. Additionally, a cost-effectiveness study and qualitative studies involving clinicians and patients aimed at exploring the strategy's pros, cons, uptake, and satisfaction levels will be carried out. The final results will be published by the end of 2027. We will examine whether adults who present with symptoms of RTI who are treated with antibiotic courses until they feel better are as effective as longer standard courses. It is highly important that a possible reduction in the antibiotic course as soon as the patient feels better does not compromise patients' recovery. This comprehensive approach aims to shed light on the practicality and impact of tailoring antibiotic duration in RTIs. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06581367; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06581367. PRR1-10.2196/75453.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) represents a predominant etiological agent of severe acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) among infants and young children in The Gambia, contributing substantially to seasonal peaks in paediatric hospitalizations and mortality during the annual rainy season [1–3]. Despite recent global approvals of maternal RSV vaccines, their operational feasibility and sociocultural acceptability in resource-constrained settings remain inadequately characterized. This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study evaluated these parameters among 179 antenatal and lactating mothers attending Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) between June and August 2025, utilizing structured questionnaires complemented by qualitative insights from healthcare providers. Findings revealed critically deficient maternal awareness of RSV: merely 12.8% of participants acknowledged familiarity with the virus, and only 10.6% recognized its potential for life-threatening infant respiratory disease. Healthcare workers constituted the primary information source (82.6%). Paradoxically, willingness to accept maternal RSV vaccination was elevated (81.6% during pregnancy; 74.9% during lactation), predominantly motivated by trust in clinical recommendations. Primary barriers included safety apprehensions (88.8%), vaccine unavailability (41.9%), and limited awareness (79.3%). Multiparity significantly correlated with gestational vaccine acceptance (p = 0.004), while tertiary education predicted RSV awareness (p = 0.022). Hospital-based administration was preferred (88.3%). This study concludes that while maternal RSV vaccination is broadly acceptable in The Gambia, profound knowledge deficits and systemic impediments especially safety concerns and supply chain limitations compromise feasibility. Programmatic success necessitates integration into antenatal care (ANC) frameworks, provider-driven education initiatives, and fortified cold chain logistics. These evidence-based insights offer actionable guidance for policymakers developing context-specific maternal immunization strategies to mitigate infant RSV burden in analogous low-resource settings.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44197-025-00467-x.

Acute lower respiratory infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children globally. There is a lack of data reflecting the true burden of viral lower respiratory tract infections from low-middle-income countries like Pakistan. This study aims to describe the epidemiology and outcome of viral lower respiratory infection. This was a cross-sectional and retrospective study carried out from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. We identified 13 different non-COVID viral respiratory pathogens. The statistical association was assessed between different factors, i.e., viral respiratory pathogens, with invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, inotropic support, and mortality. A p-value of <0.05 was taken as significant. Among 234 patients, 187 (80%) had positive viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Males were predominant (n=137, 58%). The most common respiratory pathogen was the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (n=62, 26%), followed by entero/rhinovirus (n=24, 10%). Half of the patients (n=92, 50%) had a pediatric intensive care stay, and all required non-invasive mechanical ventilation (hi-flow). One-fifth of patients (n=34, 18%) required invasive mechanical ventilation and inotropic support. Overall, 8 (4%) patients with positive viral PCR died during the hospital stay. All the patients had associated comorbidity. RSV is the most common respiratory pathogen identified. Non-invasive mechanical ventilation, particularly high-flow therapy, is crucial in managing patients with viral illnesses, though a subset may still require invasive support. These findings highlight the importance of preventive strategies, including vaccination, which could significantly reduce the burden of viral infections, minimize the need for intensive care interventions, and lower morbidity and mortality.

Abstract Background The DiaSorin LIAISON® MeMed BV® is a semi-quantitative assay that uses chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) technology to measure three non-microbial (host) proteins (TRAIL, IP-10, and CRP) in adult and pediatric serum samples. When used in conjunction with clinical assessments and other laboratory findings, this test has been shown to aid in the differentiation between acute bacterial and viral lower respiratory tract infections in patients presenting to the emergency department or urgent care center with symptoms for seven days or less. The potential utility of this assay in more complicated clinical cases or patient populations, such as those who present with additional co-morbidities along with acute respiratory infections or who present with sepsis, has been less well-studied. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to assess the potential clinical impact of the LIAISON® MeMed BV® test (performed on the LIAISON® analyzer) when used as part of the diagnostic work-up for adult patients with suspected acute respiratory infections, sepsis, and/or fever without source presenting to the emergency department at an urban academic medical center. Methods Participants were recruited from a pool of adults = 18 years presenting to our urban academic medical center emergency department with suspected acute lower respiratory tract infection (with or without fever) and/or sepsis of an unidentified source. Informed consent was obtained prior to study enrollment, after which a study blood sample was collected aseptically by venipuncture, allowed to clot, and the serum separated from the clot as soon as possible. Freshly collected samples were processed (clotting, centrifugation and serum separation) within two hours. Processed samples were considered stable for 8 hours at 2-8°C, or for 3 hours at room temperature; samples were stored frozen (-20°C or below) for up to 12 weeks in glass or plastic vials. Following processing, samples were tested using the LIAISON® MeMed BV® test performed on the LIAISON® analyzer, which generates a numeric score that falls within discrete interpretation ranges based on the increasing likelihood of bacterial infection. Results A total of 38 participants were enrolled in the study and able to provide blood specimens for testing. Participant ages ranged from 18 to 82 years old. LIAISON® MeMed BV® testing of collected samples from this participant pool resulted in 37 total results, with an analyte failure for one of the 38 specimens. Of the 37 results, approximately 73% (n = 24) indicated a likelihood of a bacterial infection at the time of collection, while 19% (n = 7) indicated a viral or non-infectious etiology. Comparatively, six of the tested samples (16%) had equivocal results. Conclusion The results of this pilot study indicate a high prevalence of likely bacterial infections within the cohort of participants tested in our emergency department setting at our urban academic medical center. Further electronic health record review will determine whether the MeMed BV® test and corresponding interpretation may support clinical decision making for the heterogenous patient population in this clinical setting.

BackgroundHuman metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRIs), accounting for 6–40% of paediatric outpatient visits and hospitalisations. However, its clinical severity and epidemiological characteristics remain poorly understood.MethodsTo investigate the epidemiology and clinical features of HMPV infection, hospitalised children with ALRIs from 2023 to 2024 were screened for HMPV and ten other common respiratory pathogens using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Demographic data, clinical presentations, diagnose, and outcomes were compared between children with moderate and severe diseases.ResultsThe annual detection rate of HMPV was 7.5%, with peak incidence observed in summer and autumn. Children under 5 Years of age accounted for 93.9% of HMPV-associated ALRIs. Among the 131 confirmed cases, 35.1% were classified as severe. Wheezing, dyspnoea and liver function abnormalities were more frequently associated with severe cases. In contrast, mild or normal radiographic findings were significantly more common among children with moderate diseases. Furthermore, children with severe disease exhibited a significantly higher percentage of neutrophils, elevated levels of creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), and lower serum creatinine levels. Most hospitalized children recovered or showed clinical improvement. However, two infants under one year of age in the severe group died; both had underlying conditions.ConclusionsHMPV infections were primarily observed in summer and autumn During 2023–2024. Our findings underscore the importance of early identification of severe and potentially fatal HMPV-associated ALRI in pediatric populations. Given the observed seasonal pattern and the risk of severe outcomes—particularly among children with underlying conditions—timely diagnosis and risk stratification are critical for guiding clinical management and informing targeted public health interventions.

Introduction. Acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are a significant cause of disease. Most of them are treated outpatient without etiological investigation, making it difficult to estimate the disease burden. In 2020, an algorithm was developed to identify consultations for ALRI in electronic health records. We evaluated the algorithm's behavior in patients with RSV ALRI. Methods. The cross-sectional study included children under 5 years of age who consulted for ALRI with viral screening. The algorithm was applied to their health records, calculating diagnostic capacity to identify RSV ALRI. Results. We included 133 patients (age 4.9 ± 4.1 years). RSV was identified in 21.8%. The algorithm identified ALRI in 33.8% (95%CI: 26.3-42.2) and showed a limited ability to identify RSV infection (sensitivity: 55.2%, specificity: 72.1%). Conclusion. An algorithm for identifying ALRI consultations in electronic health records does not adequately distinguish those caused by RSV.

The effect of focused lung ultrasound on antibiotic prescribing in patients with acute lower respiratory tract infections in Danish general practice (PLUS-FLUS): a pragmatic, randomised controlled, post-market trial.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses a critical global health challenge, causing more than 33.1 million acute lower respiratory tract infections and more than 118 000 deaths annually in children younger than 5years of age. The burden falls disproportionately on infants younger than 12months of age, with devastating impacts on health care systems worldwide. Prevention strategies have evolved from early vaccine attempts through first-generation monoclonal antibodies to current next-generation antibodies with extended half-lives and novel vaccination approaches in pregnant persons. These recent advances demonstrate unprecedented efficacy, with clinical trials showing reduction rates exceeding 70% in RSV-associated hospitalizations across diverse infant populations. Although economic analyses suggest favorable cost-benefit ratios, implementation raises important considerations regarding health care delivery systems and global access equity. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence-based guidelines, evaluates implementation challenges, and explores future directions for RSV prevention, with particular attention to regional variations in health care delivery and emerging challenges from changing climate patterns affecting RSV seasonality.

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether the timing and effectiveness of nirsevimab prophylaxis vary by gestational age.DesignRetrospective cohort study conducted during two identical epidemic seasons: 2023–2024 (before nirsevimab introduction) and 2024–2025 (after nirsevimab introduction).SettingMulticentre study involving five hospitals in Italy.PatientsAll infants under 1 year of age hospitalised for acute lower respiratory tract infection across two consecutive respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasons. We compared the number of RSV-positive hospitalisations (283 cases) and, among those admissions, clinical severity between the pre-nirsevimab and post-nirsevimab seasons, given live birth denominators at participating hospitals were stable. RSV-negative hospitalisations (79 cases) were analysed in parallel as a sensitivity analysis.InterventionThe study compared hospitalised infants eligible for RSV immunoprophylaxis during the 2024–2025 season who received nirsevimab, with those from the 2023–2024 season who did not receive nirsevimab (or received palivizumab, if indicated).Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the count of RSV-associated hospitalisation, with nirsevimab prophylaxis as the primary exposure, considering live birth denominators at participating hospitals were stable. Particular attention was given to whether gestational age modified the effectiveness of the prophylaxis. Secondary outcomes included measures of disease severity (eg, high-flow nasal cannula use, neonatal intensive care unit admission), adjusted for the effect of gestational age and other relevant covariates. Bayesian hierarchical regression models were used, with sensitivity analyses performed both in negative cases and using frequentist bootstrapped hierarchical models.ResultsMedian gestational age at birth was 39.7 (38.7–40.7) weeks in the no-prophylaxis group versus 37.3 (35.3–39.0) weeks in the nirsevimab group. Despite prophylaxis, lower gestational age was associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation (Bayesian posterior probability, 98.68%; maximum a posteriori HR 0.63; 95% highest density interval: 0.41–0.95). No RSV hospitalisations occurred between 40 and 90 days post-prophylaxis, suggesting a window of maximal effectiveness. Nirsevimab significantly reduced RSV-related hospitalisations and the need for non-invasive respiratory support.ConclusionsNirsevimab prophylaxis was associated with reduced hospitalisation and severity. However, protection waned in preterm infants, highlighting the need to investigate modified dosing strategies for this high-risk population.

Background: Anemia is a significant risk factor for acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) in children under 5 years old. Children with ALRTI have lower mean hemoglobin (Hb) levels, leading to bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia. Early detection and treatment, along with preventive measures such as iron intake and deworming, can mitigate this risk. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine whether anemia is an independent risk factor associated with ALRTIs among children aged 6 months–5 years. Materials and Methods: This is a case–control study that included 93 cases with confirmed respiratory tract infections and 93 controls without respiratory conditions, totaling 186 participants. Statistical analysis was performed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24. Significance levels were denoted as P≤0.05. Results: The study investigated the link between low Hb levels and ALRTI in children aged 6 months–5 years. Results showed no gender difference but lower weight and Hb levels in the case group. Hematological and biochemical markers showed significant differences between the two groups. Chest X-ray findings revealed a range of abnormalities in the case group. Conclusion: This study concludes that anemia is a risk factor for infections, particularly acute ALRTIs, in children under the age of 5 years.

Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is widely used in pediatric intensive care units. Acute lower respiratory infection is its primary indication; it is characterized by increased inspiratory and expiratory resistance, as well as decreased lung compliance. It can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome, which poses a challenge in optimizing IMV. Although different ventilatory modes are not presumed to generate significant clinical differences, there is a marked preference for the pressure control mode in pediatrics. In predominantly obstructive conditions, volume control mode ensures ventilation regardless of the degree of inspiratory resistance, allowing for extended expiratory time and preventing hyperinflation. In restrictive conditions, pressure control enables ventilation to be adjusted to protective parameters, albeit with the potential risk of inducing damage due to higher flow rates. The physiological basis of the different ventilation modes and their clinical application are reviewed.

RNA helicases and helicase-like viral proteins are crucial for viral RNA replication and are prime targets for antiviral development. RSV infects nearly all children by age two, causing over 30 million acute lower respiratory infections, 3.6 million hospitalizations, and 100,000 deaths annually in children under five, while also posing a significant threat to immunocompromised adults and the elderly. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the RSV P has NTPase activity and unwinds RNA helices in an NTP-dependent manner. Mutagenesis and reverse genetics experiments confirm that these enzymatic activities are essential for RSV viability. These findings not only redefine RSV P as a multifunctional protein but also expand our understanding of the RSV replication machinery, highlighting the potential of targeting P for antiviral therapy.

IntroductionRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants. This study examined the preferences of Dutch parents and expectant parents for two RSV prevention strategies for infant protection: a maternal vaccine versus an infant monoclonal antibody (mAb) injection.MethodsAn online survey including a discrete choice experiment was conducted. Participants chose between two immunisation options for ‘a common virus among infants’ that represented RSV. These differed based on six attributes: timing and recipient of the injection, costs, recommended by a healthcare provider (HCP), included in the National Immunisation Programme (NIP), administration location, and co-administered with other injections. The main outcomes were preference weights, conditional relative attribute importance (CRAI), and willingness to be immunised.ResultsThe survey was completed by 150 participants (90% female; 49% parents; 51% expectant parents; mean age 31.23 ± 5.61 years). Participants preferred an immunisation option that is administered to pregnant women [mean = 1.48 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–1.82)], free of charge [mean = 1.36 (95% CI 1.10–1.67)], recommended by an HCP [mean = 0.50 (95% CI, 0.34–0.66)], and included in the NIP [mean = 0.42 (95% CI, 0.26–0.58)]. The most important attributes were timing and recipient of the injection [CRAI = 32% (95% CI, 28–35%)] and costs [CRAI = 24% (95% CI, 20–28%)]. Willingness to be immunised was higher when the maternal vaccine and infant mAb injection were in the NIP than when only the infant mAb injection was available (89% vs 74%).ConclusionsThe results suggest that most Dutch parents and expectant parents would prefer a maternal vaccine to an infant mAb injection to immunise their infants against an RSV-like virus. An NIP that incorporates both strategies may enhance uptake and protect the most infants. However, as the attributes were not exhaustively or explicitly presented in the context of RSV prevention, the results may not be completely transferable.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40121-025-01214-2.

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of press needle therapy combined with western medical treatment on acute lower respiratory tract infections of respiratory syncytial virus in children under 5 years old. By retrospectively analyzing the medical records of 83 children hospitalized in the Department of Paediatrics of the First People’s Hospital of Jintang County from September 2024 to April 2025, they were divided into the experimental group (42 cases, treated with press needle therapy combined with western medicine) and the control group (41 cases, treated with western medicine only),observe the symptoms, signs improvement time and airway function of the 2 groups of children after treatment respectively. The results showed that, the time to relieve wheezing after treatment in the experimental group was 2.43 ± 0.51 days, and 2.86 ± 0.46 days in the control group, P<.01; the time to relieve shortness of breath in the experimental group was 2.46 ± 0.46 days, and 2.88 ± 0.5 days in the control group, P<.01; the time to relieve cough in the experimental group was 5.41 ± 0.58 days, and 5.84 ± 0.70 days in the control group. 5.84 ± 0.70 days, P<.05; the time of disappearance of lung signs of children in the experimental group was 5.46 ± 0.52 days, and 5.89 ± 0.52 days in the control group; the VT/kg of children receiving treatment in the experimental group was 8.43 ± 1.37, compared with 7.43 ± 1.50 in the control group, P <.05; TPTEF/TE (%) was 28.14 ± 4.16, compared with 24.86 ± 3.09 in the control group, P < .01; VPEF/VE (%) was 28.21 ± 4.36, compared with VPEF/VE (%) was 28.21 ± 4.36. The study showed that press needle therapy combined with western medical treatment can effectively improve the symptoms and signs and airway function of children, providing new ideas and methods for clinical treatment.