SHOULD BRONCHIOLITIS BE PHARMACOLOGICALLY TREATED? THE REASONS FOR NOT DOING IT
SHOULD BRONCHIOLITIS BE PHARMACOLOGICALLY TREATED? THE REASONS FOR DOING IT

Key words: Bronchiolitis, Oxygen, Rehydration, Adrenaline

With regard to bronchiolitis, strong evidence of effectiveness does exist only for oxygen and hydration. There is some evidence on the effectiveness of nebulised adrenaline, but it does not significantly improve the clinical course, nor reduce the need for intensive care. There is no sufficient evidence with respect to its possible use at home, also taking into account the uncertainties on its safety profile.

The literature available on bronchiolitis shows that the effects of steroids, beta2-agonists and adrenaline are modest. However, there are patients who do respond to treatment and since we are not able to identify these patients, a treatment trial may be worthy. Recent evidence shows that effects of salbutamol and steroids may be synergic and that they are greater as the child gets older.