Bronchiolitis overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
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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 usually caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and is characterized by inflamation, edema and necrosis of the bronchiole's epithelium. Typical clinical manifestations include rhinitis, cough, wheezing, respiratory rales (crackles), use of respiratory accessory muscles and/or nasal flaring.
Historical Perspective
Classification
Bronchiolitis is a wide ranged disease that affects the small respiratory airways (bronchioles). Bronchiolitis should be classified in order to understand how it may occur and the clinical manifestation that could be observed. It is classified based on the age and the different forms of the disease. According to age, it is classified into either adult or infants. Based on the different histological and clinical forms, it can be classified into acute infectious broncholitis, bronchiolitis obliterans, proliferative bronchiolitis, diffuse panbronchiolitis and respiratory bronchiolitis.[1]
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Broncholitis from Other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Prevention will relay in maintain proper measures to prevent the viral dissemination during the RSV season (handwash and avoid contact with patients with symptomatic respiratory infections) and prevention of tobacco smoke exposure. In patients with high risk of developing severe infections, pasive immunization with Palivizumanb is recommended.
Secondary Prevention
References
- ↑ Ryu JH, Myers JL, Swensen SJ (2003). "Bronchiolar disorders". Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 168 (11): 1277–92. doi:10.1164/rccm.200301-053SO. PMID 14644923.