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Overview
Bronchiolitis is a disease of the lower respiratory tract
characterized by acute inflammation and edema of the bronchioles, accompanied
by an increase in mucus production as defined in the Introduction section.
Bronchiolitis usually affects children <2 years of age
and is among the leading causes of hospitalization of infants in the United
States and Asia. A more detailed discussion
on the prevalence of bronchiolitis can be found in the Epidemiology section.
The clinical features of bronchiolitis are largely because
of airway obstruction and decreased lung compliance and further information regarding
these are discussed in the Pathophysiology section.
The Etiology
section discusses that most cases of bronchiolitis are caused by respiratory syncytial
virus (RSV). Other etiologies are enumerated in this section.
History and Physical Examination
The Clinical Presentation
section discusses the signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis and its course.
The Physical Examination
section mentions the findings in patients with bronchiolitis during examinations.
Diagnosis
Bronchiolitis is diagnosed based on the patient’s history
and presentation. The Diagnosis or
Diagnostic Criteria section enumerates the criteria for
diagnosing bronchiolitis.
Tests and imaging that can be done for diagnosing
bronchiolitis are discussed in the Laboratory
Tests and Ancillaries and
Imaging sections.
The Differential
Diagnosis section enumerates the alternative diagnoses for
bronchiolitis.
Management
Indications for hospitalization of patients with
bronchiolitis are enumerated in the Evaluation
section.
The Pharmacological Therapy
section states that the therapy depends on the underlying etiology
of bronchiolitis. This section discusses inhaled bronchodilators, nebulized
saline solution, Ribavirin, xanthines and other medications that can be used in
the management of patients with bronchiolitis.
The Nonpharmacological
section discusses parental education, hydration and nutrition therapy,
supplemental oxygen and non-invasive ventilation that can be part of management
of patients with bronchiolitis.
Measures that can be taken to prevent the development of bronchiolitis
are in the Prevention section.
Patient monitoring is an important part of the management of
bronchiolitis. Measures to be taken in monitoring and discharge criteria are
discussed in the Monitoring section.
