A randomised controlled trial of oral prednisolone for viral-wheeze in pre-school children with stratification for serum level of Eosinophil Protein X (EPX)

INTERVENTION: Children passing the inclusion criteria will be divided into two groups a. Those with presenting serum EPX levels of greater than or equal to 25 ug/l b. Those with EPX levels <25 ug/l. At the next episode of viral wheeze children in both groups will receive either placebo or a short course of oral prednisolone. CONDITION: Respiratory tract diseases: Asthma ; Respiratory ; Asthma PRIMARY OUTCOME: Outcome will be assessed by parental scoring of respiratory symptoms using a diary card. SECONDARY OUTCOME: No secondary outcome measures INCLUSION CRITERIA: Children aged between 18 and 48 months of age presenting with viral‐wheeze.