New bronchiolitis guidelines

Key words: Bronchiolitis, Children, Evidence-based, Guideline, Respiratory syncytial virus

Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection and hospitalization in children less than 1 year old. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Italian Pediatric Society (SIP) have recently published new guidelines for the diagnosis, management and prevention of bronchiolitis. Indications in the two documents are similar, but bronchiolitis management is still debated. In particular pharmacological treatments are not supported by enough evidence, whereas support therapy with oxygen, hydration and nutrition seems the only useful option. The aim of the present work is to summarise these new guidelines, adding a brief comment to each recommendation, in order to produce a useful and practical everyday guide for the paediatrician.