Acute bronchiolitis: A review

Acute bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in infants and children less than two years of age. It is broadly defined as a clinical syndrome characterized by upper respiratory symptoms followed by lower respiratory infection and inflammation, resulting in wheeze and crackles. Supportive care with focus on oxygenation and hydration remains the main stay of therapy. Several recent evidence-based reviews reveal that bronchodilators or corticosteroids should not be routinely used in bronchiolitis. This review presents the current status of recent therapies such as nebulized hypertonic saline, lieliox, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), montelukast, surfactant, and inhaled furosemide. etc.