Bronchiolitis

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Bronchiolitis

Normal lungs and alveoli

Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. Sometimes, no treatment is necessary. Supportive therapy may include oxygen, humidified air, chest clapping(postural drainage to remove secretions), rest, and clear fluids. Other medicines used in the hospital may include albuterol (a medication normally used in asthma) or steroids.

In extremely ill children, antiviral medications (such as ribavirin) are sometimes used. Antiviral treatment may decrease the severity and duration of the illness. To be effective, it must be administered early in the course of the illness.

Usually, the symptoms have resolved within a week, and difficulty breathing usually improves by the third day. The mortality rate is less than 1%.

• Secondary infection, such as pneumonia.
• Respiratory failure.
• Airway disease, such as asthma that may occur later in life. The relationship between RSV infection and later development of asthma is still not understood, but children who have had bronchiolitis seem to be more likely to develop asthma than those who have not.

Call your health care provider immediately, or go to the emergency room if the person, child, or infant:

• Has a cold that suddenly worsens
• Develops rapid, shallow breathing
• Experiences flaring nostrils and/or retracting chest muscles in an effort to breathe
• Has difficulty breathing
• Develops a bluish color in the skin, nails or lips
• Becomes lethargic

Review Date: 11/18/2005
Reviewed By: John Goldenring, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.