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[Viral bronchiolitis and pneumopathies in infants]
1Service de pédiatrie A, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Caen.
La Revue Du Praticien
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Acute bronchiolitis, a common infant respiratory infection, usually resolves within days with supportive care. Treatments like oxygen, fluids, and inhaled beta-agonists are key, while inhaled corticosteroids may help with chronic wheezing.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
Context:
- Acute bronchiolitis is the most common severe lower-respiratory-tract infection in infants.
- Most viral respiratory infections causing bronchiolitis are self-limited, with improvement in a few days.
- Hospitalized infants often require supportive care, including oxygen, fluids, and potentially mechanical ventilation.
Purpose:
- To outline the typical course and management of acute bronchiolitis in infants.
- To review the evidence for various therapeutic interventions.
- To guide clinical decision-making for this common childhood illness.
Summary:
- Bronchiolitis management focuses on supportive care, including oxygen and fluid support.
- A trial of aerosolized beta-2 agonists is recommended.
- Systemic corticosteroids are not proven effective, but inhaled corticosteroids may reduce post-bronchiolitis chronic wheezing.
- Ribavirin is an option for severe or high-risk cases.
Impact:
- Provides a concise overview of current best practices for managing acute bronchiolitis.
- Highlights the limited role of systemic corticosteroids and the potential benefit of inhaled corticosteroids.
- Informs clinicians on appropriate supportive and pharmacological interventions for infants with bronchiolitis.