Bronchiolitis overview: Difference between revisions
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==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis is based on history of symptoms and physical exam with characteristic signs found in patients between 1 month and 2 years of age. Special attention should be made in high risk patients. Chest X ray could help to rule out pneumonia or respiratory tract abnormalities, however findings are ussually inspecific. | |||
===Chest X Ray=== | ===Chest X Ray=== | ||
Revision as of 14:34, 27 May 2014
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Overview
Bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract infection in pediatric patients between 1 month and 2 years of age. It is ussually caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and is characterized by inflamation, edema and necrosis of the bronchiole's epithelium. Typical clinical manifestations include rinitis, cough, wheezing, respiratory rales (crackles), use of respiratory accesory muscles and/or nasal flaring. There is no specific treatment for RSV, the management of these patients will depend on the severity of the disease and is based on suportive measures. Prevention in patients who have high risk of severe infection (premature infants, congenital heart disease and chronic lung disease) is important.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on history of symptoms and physical exam with characteristic signs found in patients between 1 month and 2 years of age. Special attention should be made in high risk patients. Chest X ray could help to rule out pneumonia or respiratory tract abnormalities, however findings are ussually inspecific.
Chest X Ray
Chest X-ray is sometimes useful to exclude pneumonia, but not indicated in routine cases.
Treatment
Primary Prevention
In general, prevention of bronchiolitis relies on measures to reduce the spread of the viruses that cause respiratory infections (that is, handwashing, and avoiding exposure to those symptomatic with respiratory infections).mPremature infants, and others with certain majory cardiac and respiratory disorders, can receive passive immunization with Palivizumab (a monoclonal antibody against RSV). This form of passive immunization therapy requires monthly injections every winter. Whether it could benefit infants with lung problems secondary to muscular dystrophies and other vulnerable groups is currently unknown.