Current Concepts in the Evaluation and Management of Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a lower respiratory tract illness caused by viral infection in children 2 years and younger, frequently associated with wheezing on physical examination. It is a common cause of hospitalization, particularly in patients with risk factors for more serious disease. The diagnosis can be made based on clinical signs and symptoms alone, and care is generally supportive with a focus on safely doing less for symptomatic children. Bronchodilators, systemic steroids, and other therapies have been shown to have no significant effect on hospitalization rates, length of stay, or symptom duration.