Acute bronchiolitis in children

Abstract

Bronchiolitis is the most common respiratory disease in children below 2 years of age. Primarily, the disease is caused by viral infection (respiratory syncytial virus), mainly in the month from November to April. Climate and environment both influence the season and severity of bronchiolitis. Forty percent infants are affected in 1st year of life. Diagnosis of the bronchiolitis is mainly clinical though various definitions have been suggested by different groups. Laboratory investigations including reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, chest X-ray, and others do not contribute in diagnosing the disease. There is no effective treatment available and mortality is also low with bronchiolitis.