Which respiratory symptom suggests a potential infection?

Wheezing is a respiratory sound characterized by a high-pitched whistling or squeaky sound made while breathing, often associated with conditions that lead to airway obstruction or inflammation. When wheezing is present, especially in the context of respiratory symptoms, it can indicate an underlying infection such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or asthma exacerbated by infection. This occurs because infections can cause the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, leading to wheezing as air passes through the constricted passages.

The other symptoms listed do not specifically indicate respiratory infections. Increased appetite does not correlate with respiratory pathology. Blood in stool is typically related to gastrointestinal issues rather than respiratory concerns. A skin rash might suggest an allergic reaction or dermatological condition but does not directly indicate a respiratory infection. Therefore, wheezing stands out as a symptom that can signal the presence of a respiratory infection requiring further assessment and management.