Overview Bronchiolitis is often a viral cause mainly Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Bronchiolitis is the most common respiratory tract infection of neonates and is usually self-limiting. A major source of confusion of treatment is differentiating a viral bronchiolitis to asthma. In summary bronchiolitis is usually seen in infants <2yo. Asthma is seen in older children.
Risk factors for severe bronchiolitis
Side note Exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months is recommended to decrease the morbidity of respiratory infections. |
Examination
Diagnosis Clinical Diagnosis
Mild bronchiolitis
Moderate bronchiolitis
Severe bronchiolitis
High Risk Group
In most children with bronchiolitis no investigations are required unless severe.
Winter Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Others
Oxygen if saturation drops to 95%
Mild bronchiolitis
Moderate bronchiolitis
Severe bronchiolitis
Fluids
Pharmacological Therapy
Remember Bronchodilators (albuterol, salbutamol), epinephrine, and corticosteroids are generally not administered to infants and children with the diagnosis of bronchiolitis. Only if another condition is suspected or person is not getting better |
Discharge
Complications
Prognosis 40 percent of children with bronchiolitis will develop further wheezing episodes through five years of age, and 10 percent will have wheezing episodes beyond this age.
Watch: Bronchiolitis Overview |