The Diagnosis Of Bronchiolitis In Neonates (A Review)

Abstract

Bronchiolitis is the most common disease of the lower respiratory tract in patients under the age of 2 years; the main clinical symptom includes the occurrence of the first visceral attack in infants younger than 12-24 months, with physical findings of a viral infection rather than pneumonia or atopy. Bronchiolitis occurs as a result of inflammation in small airways (bronchioles). Upper respiratory infections with any of the seasonal viruses can cause bronchiolitis. The disease may cause a range of complications, from a mild to severe clinical symptom and a life-threatening respiratory distress. The main factors causing the development of the severe form of bronchiolitis include racial factors, prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), congenital heart disease, and current weights of less than 5 kg. Being male, belonging to African-American ethnicity, and a history of asthma in parents are associated with an increased risk of outbreak or prolonged period of this disease. Routine laboratory tests do not have the necessary attributes for the diagnosis of bronchiolitis and are not required for confirmation of diagnosis. Mild leukocytosis of 12,000 to 16,000 per microliter is often present but non-specific.

The count of eosinophils in acute RSV infection is reduced like other infections. However, some patients develop elevated eosinophils, making them more prone to the progression to asthma. The pulse oximeter technique limits the need for an arterial blood sample, except in the case of extreme cases of anxiety. Recent studies do not routinely take photos of chest x-ray in infants with bronchiolitis. Although there are abnormalities in the breast picture of most infants with bronchiolitis, they include non-specific findings. There is insufficient information to prove that chest x-ray is associated with severity of bronchiolitis.