The seasonality of bronchiolitis in newborns and young infants as diagnostic and therapeutic support.

Abstract

Bronchiolitis, also known as acute bronchiolitis (AB), is a pathology characterized by wheezing and/or bilateral crackling rales, preceded by symptoms of an upper airway infection (URTI). This pathology can be associated with several viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, parainfluenza, human metapneumovirus, influenza, adenovirus, coronavirus and human mouthvirus. The impact of the disease triggered by a given virus is intrinsically related to the season and the pathogens circulating in the current year. The expected seasonality is between the months of March and June, with an epidemic pattern prevalent in the autumn to winter seasons. In particular, it has been associated with infections in children in the first two years of life with a peak incidence below twelve months of age, causing symptoms of a typical prodrome of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), with runny nose, sneezing, nasal obstruction, hyporexia and fever. Followed by clinical manifestations of the lower airways such as wheezing, decreased chest expansion, prolonged expirations and may progress to respiratory discomfort. This article aims to study the epidemiological and clinical aspects of acute bronchiolitis (AB). The specific objectives include analyzing the epidemiology of the cases, identifying related etiological agents, describing the clinical presentation and discussing diagnostic approaches and therapeutics. Thus, the method used was a systematic literature review, the objective of which was to synthesize, in a methodical and impartial way, the available evidence about acute bronchiolitis and its respective diagnosis and treatment. In terms of results, it was possible to identify that the diagnosis is made in most cases based on typical clinical manifestations. Complementary exams should be used in atypical conditions or in serious cases. Treatment involves the use of oxygen therapy, ventilatory support, removal of nasal secretions, hydration, bronchodilators, respiratory physiotherapy, seeking to minimize symptoms until the condition improves.