Paediatrics Search
Paediatrics Paediatrics
bronchiolitis
BRONCHIOLITIS
Bronchiolitis is a clinical diagnosis preceding upper respiratory illness and/or rhinorrhea.
Signs of respiratory illness which may include wheezing, retractions, oxygen desaturation, color change, nasal flaring.
There is also presence of apnea especially in premature or low birthweight infants, signs of dehydration and exposure to persons with viral upper respiratory infections.
Symptoms are usually worst on the 3rd-5th day of illness and then improve gradually.

Bronchiolitis Patient Education

Patient Education

  • Educate parents on the basic pathophysiology and expected clinical course of bronchiolitis
  • Educate parents on proper suctioning and airway maintenance techniques
    • Other respiratory care therapies eg chest physiotherapy, cool mist therapy and aerosol therapy are generally not helpful and therefore are not recommended
    • Deep and improper suctioning has been associated with longer hospital stay
  • Provide information on signs of progressing disease which would necessitate calling health care providers:
    • Increase in respiratory rate (RR) and accessory muscle use for respiration
    • Worsening general appearance
    • Inability to maintain an acceptable hydration status
  • Propping up the patient at an angle of 10-30° may ease breathing difficulty
  • Inform parents that symptoms of bronchiolitis (ie cough) usually resolves within 3 weeks from diagnosis
Digital Edition
Asia's trusted medical magazine for healthcare professionals. Get your MIMS JPOG - Malaysia digital copy today!
Sign In To Download
Editor's Recommendations
Most Read Articles
Preventive zinc, micronutrient powders do not improve child growth
02 Apr 2019
Using preventive zinc and micronutrient powder supplementation does not appear to improve growth in children, a recent study has found.
Rheuma drug shows disease-modifying potential for T1D
Audrey Abella, 14 Oct 2020
Findings from the phase IIa T1GER study revealed the therapeutic potential of the monoclonal antibody golimumab for children and young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Amoxicillin-clavulanate regimen for PBB: 4 weeks no better than 2 weeks
Roshini Claire Anthony, 28 Sep 2020

A 4-week course of amoxicillin-clavulanate in children with protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) does not improve cough resolution rates compared with a 2-week course, according to a study from Australia. However, the longer course may significantly extend time to first cough exacerbation.