Bronchiolitis

- Viral infection of children < 2 years of age (usually < 12 months of age).

- Nasopharyngeal (NP) washing/swab for viral detection recommended only in hospitalized patients.

- DDx includes:

  • Chlamydia trachomatis (in ≤ 16 weeks old) (consider NP swab for Chlamydia)
  • Pertussis (consider NP washing for pertussis culture or PCR)
  • Secondary bacterial pneumonia unusual unless tachypnea and/or consolidation on chest x-ray.
Usual Pathogens
Viruses:

RSV
Human metapneumovirus
Human bocavirus
Parainfluenza
Influenza
Adenovirus

No antibiotic therapy recommended

- Bronchodilators and corticosteroids not routinely recommended.

- Ribavirin is NOT recommended.