Bronchiolitis resulting from RSV

Bronchiolitis resulting from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a lower respiratory tract infection that mainly affects infants. The course of illness is usually self-limiting. Children with underlying diseases are at higher risk of a more severe course. Symptomatic treatment with minimal handling, oxygen administration, clearing of the airway and monitoring of the patient is generally recommended. Bronchodilators, steroids and antiviral therapy with ribavirin should be reserved for exceptional cases. General hygiene measures are recommended to avoid RSV infections especially in the case of preterm infants and children with congenital heart disease or bronchopulmonary dysplasia requiring treatment. Owing to its high cost, prophylaxis with the monoclonal antibody palivizumab is reserved for children in high-risk groups.