Management of bronchiolitis-an update

• Published in: Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences
• Main Author: Rashid M.A.; Noor N.S.M.; Maziz M.N.H.; Azman I.B.; Hussaini J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lahore Medical And Dental College 2017
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85032625970&partnerID=40&md5=8051072e4667edac32476f2ca46e9956

Bronchiolitis is one of the most common respiratory infections in infants and young children predominantly caused by Respiratory syncytial virus. Most children have mild diseases, however bronchiolitis has also been well linked to severe morbidities and mortalities. Even though bronchiolitis is well recognized for many years, there are still very few therapeutic strategies available beyond supportive management. Furthermore, many controversies still exist regarding the best therapeutic management in bronchiolitis leading to numerous published clinical guidelines and research in this area. Management can be divided into pharmacological and supportive therapy. Evidence suggests that the current management of bronchiolitis is purely supportive consisting of oxygen supplementation and maintaining good hydration and nutritional support. With regards to pharmacological therapy, neither bronchodilators nor corticosteroids have significant efficacy in the treatment of bronchiolitis. However, some suggest that Epinephrine and nebulized 3% saline showed some benefit only in short-term outcome. Current recommendation also supports the use of Palivizumab as prophylaxis in certain group of infants and young children.