Definition
Bronchiolitis is an acute viral infection of the small air passages of the lungs called the bronchioles.
Description
Bronchiolitis
is extremely common. It occurs most often in children between the ages
of two and 24 months, with peak infection occurring between three and
six months of age. About 25% of infants have bronchiolitis during their
first year, and 95% have had the disease by their second birthday. In
temperate climates, bronchiolitis peaks from winter to late spring. In
subtropical climates, the disease peaks from October to February.
Children
who attend daycare or who live in crowded conditions and those who are
exposed to second-hand smoke at home are more likely to develop
bronchiolitis. Premature infants and children born with heart and lung
defects or HIV/AIDS are more likely to have severe, life-threatening
infections. Bronchiolitis occurs more often in boys than girls, with
boys being hospitalized at 1.5 times the rate of girls. Bronchiolitis is
a significant cause of respiratory disease worldwide. The World Health
Organization (WHO) has funded research to develop a vaccine against the
disease, but thus attempts have been unsuccessful.
