Paediatrics: Bronchiolitis in Infants and Young Children: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Bronchiolitis🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this common viral lower respiratory tract infection in infants – perfect for exam prep and real-life clinical scenarios.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• Bronchiolitis is an acute viral infection causing inflammation and blockage of the small airways (bronchioles), typically affecting infants under 2 years.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Most common cause: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)• Other viruses: Rhinovirus, Parainfluenza, Influenza, HMPV• Risk factors include:– Prematurity– Age <12 weeks– Low birth weight– Congenital heart/lung disease– Down syndrome– Passive smoke exposure– Formula feeding– Attendance at nursery🧠 Mnemonic: PREMIES – Premature, RSV, Environment (smoke), Multiple siblings, Immune issues, Existing lung/cardiac disease, Second-hand smoke📌 Pathophysiology• Viral invasion → inflammation of bronchiolar epithelium• Increased mucus + oedema → narrowed airways• Air trapping, wheeze, and hypoxia due to poor ventilation📌 Symptoms• Cough, wheeze, nasal congestion• Increased work of breathing (recessions, nasal flaring)• Poor feeding, lethargy• Fever (usually <39°C)🧠 Mnemonic: CROW – Cough, Recessions, Oxygen drop, Wheeze📌 Differential Diagnosis• Viral-induced wheeze• Pneumonia• Asthma• Foreign body aspiration• Reflux/aspiration pneumonia• Cystic fibrosis• Congenital airway anomalies📌 Diagnosis• Clinical diagnosis based on history + examination• Pulse oximetry essential• Viral swabs for RSV in hospital (for infection control)🧠 Tip: Crackles + wheeze with low-grade fever and feeding issues = think bronchiolitis!📌 Management• Supportive: fluids, oxygen, nasal suction• Hospitalisation if:– RR >60/min– Oxygen sats <92%– Poor feeding (<50–75% normal)– Apnoeas– Underlying comorbidities• No routine bronchodilators, steroids, or antibiotics🧠 NICE: Admit if SATs <90% (age >6wks) or <92% (age <6wks)📌 Complications• Respiratory failure• Secondary bacterial infection• Recurrent wheeze/asthma later• Rarely, death (mainly in <6 months or high-risk infants)📌 Prognosis• Generally excellent – most recover in 1–2 weeks• High-risk infants may need closer monitoring and admission📎 More MSRA Resources for Bronchiolitis📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/bronchiolitis-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/bronchiolitis-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/bronchiolitis-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/bronchiolitis-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/paediatrics-for-the-msra/#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQandANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #Bronchiolitis #Paediatrics