EC Microbiology

Background: Inflammation of the lower respiratory tract, i.e., the bronchioles, is known as Bronchiolitis. Viruses are almost always responsible for this infection, and it usually affects very young children. Bronchiolitis also happens to be the commonest cause of the hospitalization of children in many countries. In this article, we summarise the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis and emphasize guidelines for the treatment of Bronchiolitis.

Aim of the Work: An overview is aimed at describing bronchiolitis in terms of etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, and various management modalities.

Methodology: The review is a comprehensive research of PUBMED from the year 2003 to 2021

Conclusion: Hospitalization due to Bronchiolitis is quite common among infants. The most common causative factor is the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), among other viruses. Infection typically starts with fever and rhinorrhea, followed by wheezing and hypoxia in severe cases—common management techniques minimal handling, maintenance of oxygen saturation, fluid balance, and nutrition. Inhalation with saline and epinephrine are also other modes of treatment, but their efficacy is yet to be proved. In cases of respiratory failure, invasive and non-invasive ventilation may also be required

Keywords: Bronchiolitis; RSV Infection; Bronchodilator

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