Bronchiolitis is the most common cause of hospitalization in infants and
children less than 2 years of age. Patients typically present with signs of an upper
respiratory tract infection that then progress to symptoms consistent with a lower
respiratory tract infection. The key to diagnosis is the history and physical examination;
labs and chest radiography are not routinely necessary or recommended. Treatment is
largely supportive as many of the therapies that are effective in other respiratory
diseases are ineffective in the treatment of bronchiolitis. Emphasis should therefore be
on prevention and reducing transmission of the disease. Areas of focus for the
prevention of bronchiolitis include administration of palivizumab prophylaxis in
selected infants and children, hand hygiene, elimination of tobacco smoke exposure,
encouragement of breastfeeding, and family education.
Keywords: Breastfeeding, Bronchiolitis, Bronchodilators, Children,
Corticosteroids, Hand hygiene, Hypertonic saline, Infants, Oxygen, Palivizumab,
RSV, Respiratory distress, Respiratory syncytial virus, Smoking.