[2] Bronchiolitis Flashcards
What is bronchiolitis?
A common LRTI that affects babies and young children under 2 years
How sever are most cases?
Mild
How long do mild cases last?
Clear up within 2-3 weeks
Do mild cases require treatment?
No
What is needed in sever cases?
Hospitalisation
What is the causative pathogen in 80% of cases?
RSV
What is RSV?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
What other organisms can cause bronchiolitis?
- Parainflueza virus
- Rhinovirus
- Adenovirus
- Influenza
- Human metapneumovirus
What are the risk factors for developing bronchiolitis?
- Premature infants who develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Underlying lung disease e.g. CF
- Congenital heart disease
What are the initial symptoms in bronchiolitis?
Coryzal symptoms
What symptoms follow the initial coryzal symptoms?
Dry cough and increasing wheezy breathlessness
What is the main reason for hospital admission in bronchiolitis?
Feeding difficulty due to increasing dyspnoea
What are the signs of bronchiolitis?
- High-pitched wheeze
- Tachypnoea
- Tachycardia
- Subcostal and intercostal recessions
- Hyperinflation of the chest
- Fine end-inspiratory crackles
What is the only routine recommended investigation in bronchiolitis?
Pulse oximetry
When may a CXR and blood gases be required in bronchiolitis?
When respiratory failure is suspected