Treatment of RSV bronchiolitis: drugs, antibiotics

RSV bronchiolitis is one of the most common reasons for hospital admission and for visits to emergency departments for children, and at least half of affected infants will have subsequent episodes of respiratory illness. Despite this, there are wide variations in management. Initial assessment of respiratory status should include a measure of oxygenation and oxygen should be given when there is clinical evidence of respiratory distress even before full assessment is completed. Fluid and nutritional status should also be assessed early and decisions made about use of intravenous fluids, nasogastric feeding, or maintenance of frequent feeds orally. Given the lack of evidence on all drug therapies for bronchiolitis, clinicians should carefully evaluate treatments for their ability to reduce symptoms, decrease length of hospital stay and reduce sequelae. Furthermore, clinicians should monitor antibiotic use carefully and develop a strategy to change current physician practice.