Steam inhalation or humidified oxygen for acute bronchiolitis in children up to 3 years of age

摘要

Bronchiolitis is an acute respiratory infection characterised by cough, nasal congestion, fever, expiratory wheezing, grunting, tachypnoea, 'retractions' and air trapping. Mucus production from inflamed epithelial cells of the respiratory tract can obstruct the lower respiratory tract and lead to respiratory distress. It is a major cause of morbidity in children, highly communicable and often caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Annual epidemics contribute to an increase in morbidity and health expenditures. Treatment modalities include any or several of the following interventions: bronchodilators, corticosteroids, humidified oxygen and steam inhalation.