Acute bronchiolitis in infancy

Abstract

Acute bronchiolitis remains a very important cause of short and long-term morbidity and is responsible for up to 20% of pre-school asthma symptoms. There is increasing evidence that the RSV infection induces long-term airway lability, perhaps by stimulating the production of RSV specific IgE in the respiratory tract. More studies are needed to define the indication for ribavirin therapy more precisely. It is likely that recombinant gene technology will lead to the production of effective vaccines. Meanwhile, it may be possible to reduce the long-term morbidity with inhaled topical steroids.