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Bronchiolitis

Acute viral lower respiratory tract infection of infants, most commonly caused by RSV, with cough, wheezing, and respiratory distress.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is a lower respiratory tract infection affecting infants under 2 years, most commonly caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) but also by rhinovirus, parainfluenza, and metapneumovirus.

The virus infects small airways (bronchioles) causing edema, mucus plugging, and inflammation that leads to airway obstruction and impaired gas exchange.

Most cases are mild and self-limited with peak severity around day 3–5; severe cases may need hospitalization for oxygen and fluids.

Recurrent wheezing after bronchiolitis is common and may evolve to childhood asthma in predisposed infants.

Symptoms

Runny nose and cough progressing over 2–3 days
Wheezing, fine crackles, and prolonged expiratory phase on auscultation
Respiratory distress with tachypnea, retractions, and nasal flaring
Poor feeding due to respiratory effort
Irritability, lethargy, or apnea in young or preterm infants
Low-grade fever and dehydration

Risk Factors

Age under 6 months and preterm birth under 35 weeks
Chronic lung disease of prematurity or congenital heart disease
Immunodeficiency and neuromuscular disease
Passive smoking and household crowding
Attendance at daycare and presence of older siblings
Lack of breastfeeding and limited access to RSV prophylaxis

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Severe respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, or poor feeding in an infant
  • Lethargy, grunting, or oxygen saturation below 92% on room air
  • Infants under 3 months or with chronic lung/cardiac disease with any significant symptoms

Treatment Methods

01
Supportive care with small frequent feeds, nasal saline and suctioning, and adequate hydration
02
Supplemental oxygen for hypoxemia (SpO2 below 90–92%) and high-flow nasal cannula in moderate-severe cases
03
Monitoring for dehydration with intravenous or nasogastric fluids when oral intake inadequate
04
Avoid routine bronchodilators, inhaled/systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, and chest physiotherapy in uncomplicated bronchiolitis
05
Isolation and contact precautions to prevent nosocomial spread
06
Prevention with RSV immunoprophylaxis (palivizumab for high-risk infants; nirsevimab where available) and maternal RSV vaccination where available

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.