Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2014 | Review
Acute bronchiolitis in infants, a review
Authors:
Knut Øymar, Håvard Ove Skjerven, Ingvild Bruun Mikalsen
Published in:
Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine
|
Issue 1/2014
Login to get access
Abstract
Acute viral bronchiolitis is one of the most common medical emergency situations in infancy, and physicians caring for acutely ill children will regularly be faced with this condition. In this article we present a summary of the epidemiology, pathophysiology and diagnosis, and focus on guidelines for the treatment of bronchiolitis in infants. The cornerstones of the management of viral bronchiolitis are the administration of oxygen and appropriate fluid therapy, and overall a “minimal handling approach” is recommended. Inhaled adrenaline is commonly used in some countries, but the evidences are sparse. Recently, inhalation with hypertonic saline has been suggested as an optional treatment. When medical treatment fails to stabilize the infants, non-invasive and invasive ventilation may be necessary to prevent and support respiratory failure. It is important that relevant treatment algorithms exist, applicable to all levels of the treatment chain and reflecting local considerations and circumstances.