Bronchiolitis
What is it?
- Viral inflammation of the small airways (bronchioles)Â
- Leads to narrowing and obstruction
- Commonly caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). But also H. influenzae, adenovirus and parainfluenza.
- Risk factors: prematurity, congenital heart disease, immunodeficiency, and exposure to second-hand smoke
- Main problem in infants: Mucus plugs airways and infants cannot clear their airways
Treatment
- Oxygen therapy such as High flow nasal cannula or Oxygen mist tent.
- Hydration
- Respiratory support
- Antiviral medication: Inhaled RibavirinÂ
- Ribavirin causes congenital anomalies (no pregnant nurses)
- RSV vaccine for high risk infants- Palivizumab (Synagis)
