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Bronchiolitis

Dennis E Hughes, DO FACEP Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Inflammation and obstruction of small airways and reactive airways generally affecting infants and young children; manifests as an upper respiratory infection (URI) prodrome followed...

DIAGNOSIS

History and physical examination should be the basis for the diagnosis of bronchiolitis; ancillary testing only indicated if clinical picture is unclear (no single of group of tests confirma...

TREATMENT

  • The cornerstone of therapy is supportive to include upper airway suctioning, prevention of significant and prolonged hypoxia, and dehydration.

  • The other interventions have limited effect on t...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Hospitalization is usually required only if oxygen is a requirement or unable to feed/drink.

  • For a hospitalized patient, monitor as needed depend...

REFERENCES

1
Ralston  SL, Lieberthal  AS, Meissner  HC, et al. Ralston SL, Lieberthal AS, Meissner HC, et al. Clinical practice guideline: the diagnosis, management, and prevent...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Joseph MM, Edwards A. Acute bronchiolitis: assessment and management in the emergency department. Pediatr Emerg Med Pract. 2019;16(10):1-24.

  • Oakley E,...

CODES

ICD10

  • J21.9 Acute bronchiolitis, unspecified

  • J21.0 Acute bronchiolitis due to respiratory syncytial virus

  • J21.8 Acute bronchiolitis due to other specified organisms

  • J21.1 Acute bronchiolitis due to ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalizations in infants and children—especially <3 months of age.

  • Diagnosis is a clinical one of children in the first 2 years of life, asso...

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