Broncholitis

Question 1

Definition of bronchiolitis

Answer 1

A lower respiratory tract infection (chest infection) targeting the bronchioles causing inflammation and congestion

Question 2

Who gets bronchiolitis

Answer 2

infants aged 1-12 months

Question 3

Causative organism of bronchiolitis

Answer 3

Most cases are caused by Respiratory Synctyial Virus (RSV)

Question 4

Presentation (6) of bronchiolitis

Answer 4

Cough
Wheeze
Intercostal recession, nasal flaring, grunting
Tachypnoea

Question 5

Differentials of bronchiolitis (3)

Answer 5

asthma
Pneumonia
Foreign body aspiration

Question 6

Investigations of bronchiolitis (2)

Answer 6

Diagnosis is mainly clinical

CXR can be done if concerned

Question 7

When to consider admission for bronchiolitis (4)

Answer 7

Apnoea
Child is seriously unwell
Severe resp distress
Central cyanosis

Question 8

Management of bronchiolitis (4)

Answer 8

Palivizumab - targets RSV

Supportive (fluids, fever management, rest)

O2 therapy if needed

Antivirals e.g. ribavirin

Question 9

Complications of bronchiolitis (4)

Answer 9

• Main complication is bronchiolitis obliterans (popcorn lung).
  Bronchioles get injured leading to overactive cellular repair and build up of scar tissue.