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Bronchiolitis: in-patient focus

Susan E Coffin1

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. coffin@email.chop.edu

Pediatric Clinics of North America
|July 13, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory illness in young children, causing significant hospitalizations. Infants with underlying conditions face higher risks of severe illness and death from this seasonal syndrome.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Bronchiolitis is a frequent and severe lower respiratory tract illness in young children.
  • While generally low-fatality in healthy children in developed nations, it poses risks for infants with chronic lung disease or immunodeficiency.
  • It is a leading cause of infant hospitalization during winter months.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the epidemiology and clinical significance of bronchiolitis in young children.
  • To highlight risk factors for severe outcomes and mortality.

Main Methods:

  • This is a summary of existing knowledge on bronchiolitis.
  • Data on hospitalization and mortality rates were reviewed.

Main Results:

  • Bronchiolitis is the most common cause of infant hospitalization in the US during winter.
  • Approximately 2 in 100,000 US infants die annually from bronchiolitis complications.

Conclusions:

  • Bronchiolitis represents a substantial public health burden for young children, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Continued vigilance and research are necessary to mitigate the impact of this common childhood illness.

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