bronchiolitis (LTRI)

Question 1

describe what bronchiolitis is:

Answer 1

inflammation of the bronchioles which usually occurs once in a lifetime in infants under 1 year particularly in winter months

Question 2

what are the causative organisms of bronchiolitis?

Answer 2

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Paraflu III

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)

Question 3

list the presentations of bronchiolitis:

Answer 3

Infant disease (<1 year old)

No fever to mild fever (rarely >38 C)

Nasal stuffines

Tachypnoea

Poor feeding

Cough with crackles +/- wheeze

Question 4

what investigation would you use for bronchiolitis?

Answer 4

Nasopharyngeal aspirate with PCR

Question 5

what is the treatment options for bronchiolitis?

Answer 5

Maximal observation and Minimal intervention

Supportive treatment (Oxygenation, Hydration, Nutrition)

Provide reassurance, normally resolves within 2 weeks