Bronchiolitis Disease
BASICS
DESCRIPTION
Inflammation of trachea, bronchi and bronchioles resulting from a respiratory tract infection. Generally self-limited with complete healing and full return of function.
- System(s) affected: Pulmonary
- Genetics: No known genetic pattern
- Incidence/Prevalence in USA: Common
- Predominant age: All ages
- Predominant sex: Male = Female
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Preceding respiratory tract infection, such as a common cold with coryza, malaise, chills, slight fever, sore throat, back and muscle pain
- Cough, initially dry and unproductive, then productive. Later, mucopurulent sputum.
- Fever
- Fatigue, aching
- Hemoptysis
- Chest burning
- Dyspnea (sometimes)
- Rales, rhonchi, wheezing
- No evidence of pulmonary consolidation
- Pharynx injected
CAUSES
- Adenovirus
- Influenza
- Parainfluenza
- Chlamydia pneumoniae (TWAR agent)
- Bordetella pertussis
- Respiratory syncytial virus
- Coxsackievirus
- Herpes simplex
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Possibly fungi
- Mycoplasma
- Secondary bacterial infection as part of an acute upper respiratory infection
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Moraxella catarrhalis
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Rhinovirus
RISK FACTORS
- Chronic bronchopulmonary diseases
- Chronic sinusitis
- Bronchopulmonary allergy
- Hypertrophied tonsils and adenoids in children
- Immunosuppression
- Air pollutants
- Elderly
- Infants
- Smoking
- Second-hand smoke
- Alcoholism
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Tracheostomy
- Environmental changes
- Immunoglobulin deficiency
DIAGNOSIS
LABORATORY
- Arterial blood gases - hypoxemia (rarely)
- Leukocytosis
- Sputum culture/gram stain
- Viral titers
- Mycoplasma titers
Drugs that may alter lab results: N/A
Disorders that may alter lab results: N/A
PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS
- Mucosal hyperemia and inflammation
- Desquamation of columnar epithelium
- Mucopurulent exudate
SPECIAL TESTS
Pulmonary function tests (seldom needed during acute stages) - increased residual volume, decreased maximal expiratory rate
IMAGING
Chest x-ray - lungs normal if uncomplicated. Helps rule out other diseases or complications.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
Symptoms and signs
TREATMENT
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
Outpatient unless elderly or complicated by severe underlying disease
GENERAL MEASURES
- Rest
- Steam inhalations
- Vaporizers
- Antibiotics if bacterial etiology suspected
- Adequate hydration
- Stop smoking
- Treat associated illnesses (e.g., GERD)
SURGICAL MEASURES
N/A
ACTIVITY
Rest until fever subsides
DIET
Increased fluids (up to 3-4 L/day) while febrile
PATIENT EDUCATION
For patient education materials favorably reviewed on this topic, contact: American Lung Association, 1740 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, (212)315-8700
FOLLOW UP
PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE
- Avoid smoking
- Control underlying risk factors (asthma, sinusitis, reflux)
- Avoid exposure
- Vaccinations
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Bronchopneumonia
- Acute respiratory failure
- Bronchiectasis
EXPECTED COURSE AND PROGNOSIS
- Usual - complete healing with good return of function
- Can be serious in elderly or debilitated patients
- Cough may persist for several weeks after initial improvement
- Post-bronchitic reactive airways disease (rare)
- Bronchiolitis obliterans and organizing pneumonia (BOOP) (rare)
MISCELLANEOUS
ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS
- Asthma
- Epiglottitis
- Coryza
- Pharyngitis
- Croup
- Influenza
- Smoking
- Pneumonia
- Emphysema
- Sinusitis
- Bronchial obstruction
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
AGE-RELATED FACTORS
Pediatric:
- Occurrence in this age group usually is in association with other conditions of upper and lower respiratory tract (trachea usually involved)
- Some children seem to be more susceptible than others (if repeated attacks, child should be evaluated for anomalies of the respiratory tract including immune deficiencies)
- If acute bronchitis is caused by respiratory syncytial virus, may be fatal
Geriatric: Can be a serious illness in this age group, particularly if part of influenza
Others: N/A
PREGNANCY
N/A
OTHER NOTES
N/A
ABBREVIATIONS
GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease
Clinical Investigations
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- General Destistry
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
ROLE OF HOMOEOPATHY
Holistic healing that treats the person, not just the disease. Experience gentle, lasting wellness with expert constitutional care.
Copyright © 2025 Selkey. All Rights Reserved.