ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Bronchiolitis

What is bronchiolitis?

30 December 2025

It is an infectious disease of viral origin that affects the lower respiratory tract of babies and children under two years old, causing the bronchi in the lungs to narrow, become congested, and inflame.

Bronchiolitis is usually caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whose outbreaks worsen during the winter season. It can also be caused by different viruses, such as those that cause influenza or the common cold.

The bronchiolitis virus is easily spread through the secretions of an infected person when talking, sneezing, or coughing, as well as by coming into contact with contaminated objects and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of contracting bronchiolitis, including:

  • Attending daycares or kindergartens, or having siblings who attend them.
  • Inhaling tobacco smoke.
  • Being born prematurely.
  • Not being breastfed.
  • Suffering from a heart or lung disorder.
  • Being under three months of age.
  • Having a weakened immune system.
  • Living in crowded conditions.

Signs and symptoms Bronchiolitis

Symptoms appear between three and seven days after infection with the presence of:

  • Cold/runny nose.
  • Excessive mucus.
  • Congested nose.
  • Fatigue.
  • Moderate fever.
  • Otitis (ear infection).
  • Breathing problems.
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Wheezing.
  • Cough.

Among the possible risks and complications of bronchiolitis are:

  • Apnea (temporary cessation of breathing).
  • Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin).
  • Dehydration.
  • Decreased oxygen levels.
  • Respiratory failure.

Diagnosis and treatment Bronchiolitis

Once the doctor analyzes the symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination and, if deemed necessary, will request blood tests, viral tests, and a chest X-ray.

As for treatment, since it is a viral condition, there is no effective cure. Therefore, it focuses on controlling the symptoms and recommending isolation to prevent contagion, as well as drinking plenty of fluids, rest, and nebulizations.

In the Department of Internal Medicine at Centro Médico ABC, we provide medical care services with the highest quality and safety, from prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up for infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies, covering both chronic-degenerative conditions and acute episodes, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Related centers and departments Bronchiolitis

Internal medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • aeped.es
  • kidshealth.org
  • cincinnatichildrens.org
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • topdoctors.es
  • cun.es
  • medigraphic.com
  • Prieto AA, Rodríguez RY, Fonseca HM, et al. Comportamiento de la bronquiolitis aguda en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de Cienfuegos. Rev Cub Med Int Emerg. 2013;12(4):.
  • Flores PP, Gerig N, Unzueta-Roch JL, et al. Evolución epidemiológica de los ingresos por bronquiolitis aguda durante el primer año de pandemia COVID-19. Rev Latin Infect Pediatr. 2022;35(3):101-104. doi:10.35366/108131.
  • Del Toro RLB, Martínez BI, Martínez MI, et al. Caracterización clínica-epidemiológica de las Bronquiolitis en pacientes pediátricos. Mul Med. 2021;25(2):.
  • Paz AlLA, Peralta CY, Casado DS, et al. Manejo de la bronquiolitis aguda en el servicio de neumología pediátrica de Pinar del Río. Rev Ciencias Médicas. 2020;24(5):1-8.

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