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Respiratory syncytial virus infection
What's new
Updated 2024 CDC guidelines for RSV immunization in older adults .
Background
Overview
Definition
Bronchiolitis is an inflammatory condition primarily affecting the small airways or bronchioles, often characterized by acute viral infection in infants and young children.
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Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of bronchiolitis involves the infection of the epithelial cells lining the small airways, predominantly by the RSV. This infection leads to cell damage, increased mucus production, and inflammation, resulting in airway obstruction.
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Epidemiology
It is estimated that 33 million cases of RSV-associated acute lower respiratory infections occurred globally in children < 5 years old in 2019.
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Risk factors
Risk factors for bronchiolitis include age (< 2 years), pre-existing respiratory conditions (asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis), infections, exposure to environmental factors (such as cigarette smoke, toxic fumes, and gases), diffuse chronic aspiration, and certain drugs (antimicrobials, anticancer agents, anticonvulsants, cardiovascular agents).
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Disease course
Clinically, bronchiolitis typically begins as an upper respiratory tract infection, progressing to lower respiratory symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and respiratory distress.
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Prognosis and risk of recurrence
The prognosis of bronchiolitis is generally good, with most cases being self-limiting and resolving without complications.
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Guidelines
Key sources
The following summarized guidelines for the evaluation and management of respiratory syncytial virus infection are prepared by our editorial team based on guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC 2024,2023), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP 2023), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG 2023), the French Group for Pediatric Intensive Care and Emergencies (GFRUP 2023), the ...
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