Does perceived responsiveness to bronchodilator therapy in patients admitted for bronchiolitis predict future development of asthma

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection affecting infants and young children. It is a frequent cause of hospitalization in pediatric patients. Rhinovirus-induced wheezing and RSV bronchiolitis in infancy are associated with future development of asthma. Despite the current AAP clinical guideline recommendations that support against bronchodilator use for bronchiolitis, clinical practice varies and albuterol is still often used in the treatment of bronchiolitis. Physicians often perceive clinical benefits and continue to use albuterol, especially in wheezing bronchiolitis patients. …