Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Bronchiolitis is an acute inflammation of the bronchioles, which is considered a severe form of acute bronchitis. Bronchioles are small branches of the bronchi that carry air to the lungs. Acute inflammation of these branches can lead to obstruction of the bronchioles and severe disturbances in gas exchange and blood circulation. In this article we will look at the causes, symptoms and treatment of bronchiolitis.

Causes of bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is usually caused by viruses, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial viruses, or viral-bacterial infections. It may also develop after inhaling irritating gases or very cold air.

Pathogenesis of bronchiolitis

Inflammation of the bronchioles leads to disruption of their patency and can cause severe disturbances in gas exchange and blood circulation. This causes symptoms that can become life-threatening.

Symptoms of bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis usually begins acutely or against the background of tracheobronchitis. Symptoms may include:

  1. Fever (38-39 °C)
  2. Severe shortness of breath (up to 40 or more breaths per minute), shallow breathing with the participation of auxiliary muscles
  3. The chest, which is fixed in the inhalation position with the shoulder girdle raised
  4. Face that may be puffy and cyanotic
  5. Painful cough with scanty mucous sputum
  6. Chest pain due to muscle strain and contraction of the diaphragm when coughing
  7. Percussion sound with box tone
  8. Breathing is weak or harsh
  9. Abundant fine-bubbling (subcrepitating) silent wheezing, wheezing on exhalation.

Symptoms may worsen and become life-threatening, including pulmonary and viutricardial hemodynamic disorders due to pulmonary hypertension.

Diagnosis of bronchiolitis

Differential diagnosis of bronchiolitis is carried out with miliary tuberculosis, pneumonia and other lung diseases. X-ray examination is of decisive importance.

Treatment of bronchiolitis

Treatment of bronchiolitis includes parenteral administration of antibiotics according to the principle of treatment of acute pneumonia, oxygen therapy with aminophylline (5 ml of a 2.4% solution IV 2-3 times a day). Other treatments may include antitussives, followed by expectorants and mucolytics, and analgesics for pain. If necessary, intensive care in an intensive care unit may be required.

It is important to understand that bronchiolitis is a serious condition that can become life-threatening, especially in young children and older adults. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms related to the respiratory system.

In conclusion, bronchiolitis is an acute inflammation of the bronchioles that can become life-threatening when gas exchange and circulation are impaired. Viruses are usually the main cause of this disease, but it can also develop after inhaling irritating gases or very cold air. Treatment for bronchiolitis includes antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and other treatments to help relieve symptoms and prevent possible complications.



Bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the bronchioles, that is, the small branches of the bronchi. The disease most often occurs in children under 2 years of age and is caused by viruses, less commonly by bacteria.

The main symptoms of bronchiolitis:

  1. Cough, often with wheezing
  2. Labored breathing
  3. Temperature increase
  4. Pale and lethargic

The diagnosis is made based on the clinical picture and lung auscultation data. A chest x-ray is usually not required.

Treatment for bronchiolitis is aimed at relieving symptoms. It is important to provide your child with plenty of fluids and humidified air. In severe cases, hospitalization and oxygen therapy may be required.

With timely treatment, the prognosis for bronchiolitis is usually favorable. Prevention of the disease is important, including vaccination and hygiene.



Bronchiolism is an inflammatory process of the bronchi affecting the lobular bronchi. The disease is based on an infectious process or the effect of harmful factors on the mucous membrane of the respiratory system (dust, toxins), as well as an allergic component. Inflammation affects the lower parts of the respiratory system. A complication is the addition of a bacterial infection, which aggravates the course of bronchialism.

The symptoms of bronchiolism develop gradually and sharply. In children, the disease begins with a runny nose, sore throat, dry cough, and fever. After a few days, a dry, unproductive cough turns into a wet one. Sputum



Bronchiolitis, or bronchitis of the small bronchi, is one of the most common respiratory diseases in children. It is caused by an upper respiratory tract infection and can be mild or severe. In this article, we will look at the symptoms, causes, and treatment of bronchiolate.

Symptoms of bronchiolate: cough with mucus, fatigue, irritability, fever for several days, shortness of breath, poor appetite. Bronchiolates are not usually a dangerous condition, but they can cause complications such as asthma.

The causes of bronchiolate can vary and depend on the age and health of the child. For example:

1. ARVI, colds, viral infections, old-fashioned colds. 2. Bacterial infections Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella, staphylococcus, streptococcus and others. 3. Flu. 4. Hypothermia, which occurs especially often in winter