[Current treatment options for acute bronchiolitis in children]

Medicina (Kaunas). 2003;39(3):217-20.
[Article in Lithuanian]

Abstract

Bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract infection in infants and is responsible for the majority of pediatric hospital admissions in winter. Respiratory syncytial virus has been identified as the main causative agent, causing 50-90% of the cases of bronchiolitis. Despite significant advances in pharmacotherapy, the management of infants with bronchiolitis has changed little over the years from supplemental oxygen and good fluid management. Approaches to therapy vary widely all over the world and are controversial. This paper reviews current treatment options for bronchiolitis, including the use of bronchodilators, epinephrine, steroids and ribavirin. Most recent advances, including immunotherapy and intensive care, are discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bronchiolitis, Viral / diagnosis
  • Bronchiolitis, Viral / drug therapy
  • Bronchiolitis, Viral / therapy*
  • Bronchodilator Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Epinephrine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Oxygen Inhalation Therapy
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / drug therapy
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / therapy*
  • Ribavirin / therapeutic use
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Ribavirin
  • Epinephrine