Bronchiolitis1,2

Abstract

Bronchiolitis is a specific disease entity in young infants that is most often associated with respiratory syncytial viral infection. Little is known about host susceptibility, pathophysiologic features, therapy, or sequelae. The relationship between respiratory syncytial viral bronchiolitis and asthma is unclear. There is disturbing evidence that lower respiratory tract infection in infancy may lead to permanent sequelae. A major and interdisciplinary prospective approach to bronchiolitis is now required to treat appropriately and, hopefully, eventually prevent the illness. Bronchiolitis obliterans is a serious consequence of adenovirus infection in some populations. Unilateral hyperlucent lung syndrome is a dramatic and easily diagnosed consequence of bronchiolitis obliterans. Little is known about less obvious manifestations of this disease in the general population, and it is possible that it accounts for more of the chronic chest disease in young adults than is currently appreciated.