ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines a case scenario on bronchiolitis followed by a highly detailed explanation of the condition and its management, presenting the symptoms in a way that are likely to be encountered in general practice. Bronchiolitis is a common infection, usually in the first year of life, associated with significant infant morbidity. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the commonest causative agent, although other viruses have also been implicated. Some, such as adenovirus, are more likely to be associated with serious long-term complications such as obliterative bronchiolitis. The diagnosis of RSV bronchiolitis may be confirmed by direct viral immunofluorescence on a nasopharyngeal aspirate sample. This may be useful at the start of the RSV season, where isolation of the infant may be desirable to reduce nosocomial infection. The RSV immunoglobulin palivizumab can be considered as preventive therapy in a small selective group of infants who are at high risk of developing bronchiolitis.
