Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
The changing epidemiology of the bronchiolitis epidemic in Tallaght Hospital
Insights
Bronchiolitis incidence significantly increased in Irish infants during 2011-2012. This study analyzed 1,202 admissions, noting a peak in December and a mean stay of 2.92 days.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection affecting infants, with significant seasonal variation.
- This study examines bronchiolitis admissions at Tallaght Hospital over five years to understand trends in an Irish population.
- A total of 1,202 admissions were analyzed, focusing on demographics, seasonality, and length of stay.
Discussion:
- A notable 102% increase in bronchiolitis incidence was observed in early 2011-2012 compared to the preceding four years (p=0.0469).
- Comparable data from Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, supports the observed shift in bronchiolitis timing and incidence.
- Potential contributing factors such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) seasonality, climatic influences, and vaccination programs were explored.
Key Insights:
- Bronchiolitis admissions demonstrated a significant increase in incidence and a shift in timing within the analyzed Irish population.
- The busiest month for admissions was December, accounting for 24.20% of cases.
- The average length of hospital stay was 2.92 days, with males comprising 62% of admissions.
Outlook:
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific drivers behind the changing epidemiology of bronchiolitis.
- Monitoring RSV trends and environmental factors remains crucial for predicting and managing future outbreaks.
- Understanding these shifts can inform public health strategies and resource allocation for pediatric respiratory illnesses.
Abstract:
Bronchiolitis affects one third of babies in their first year of life. We investigated all bronchiolitis admissions to Tallaght Hospital in the last five years, with the hope of providing an insight into the epidemic in an Irish population. We analysed these 1,202 admissions on the basis of time of year (busiest being December at 24.20%), length of stay (mean 2.92 days), gender (62% male) and age (mean 30.29 weeks). There was a 102% increase in the average incidence of bronchiolitis in the first six months of 2011 and 2012 (186) compared to the previous four years (92.25). P value was statistically significant at 0.0469. Our findings were backed up by comparable data from OLCH, Crumlin (149.5 for 2011-2012 vs 36.25 for 2007-2010). There has been in a significant shift in the timing and incidence of bronchiolitis in Tallaght Hospital in the last two years. We explored the possible reasons for this, with special attention to RSV incidence, climate causes and vaccine programs.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Influenza
Asthma-I: Introduction
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
