Progress in diagnosis and treatment of bronchiolitis / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

ABSTRACT

Bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract disease in infants younger than 2 years of age.Many viruses can cause bronchiolitis,however,respiratory syncytial virus is most common etiology.The pathological characters are acute inflammation,edema,necrosis of epithelial cells and mucus productions increased.Diaguosis of bronchiolitis is based on clinical signs and symptoms and a thorough history and physical exam.The disease severity and risk factors for severe disease need to be assessed.The treatment of bronchiolitis has been largely supportive.Continuous positive airway pressure treatment has been accepted for severe cases.Palivizumab prophylaxis is probable in high risk infants.Hand hygiene,decreasing tobacco smoke and breastfeeding are considered as efficient preventive methods.