Study of Clinical profile of Bronchiolitis at a Rural based Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Acute bronchiolitis is a common self-limiting lower respiratory tract infection primarily affecting infants and young children, with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) as the leading causative agent. Despite its significant burden on healthcare systems, data on clinical profiles in resource-limited settings are limited. Objectives: To study the clinical, radiological, and haematological profiles of bronchiolitis in children aged 2 months to 5 years presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted on children aged 2 months to 5 years diagnosed with bronchiolitis. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical features, radiological findings, and haematological parameters were collected and analysed. Results: The study included 100 children, with a mean age of 1 year. The highest incidence (50%) was observed in infants aged 2–6 months. A slight male predominance (55%) was noted. Fever and cough were present in all cases (100%), followed by wheezing (80%), difficulty breathing (70%), nasal congestion (70%), and cyanosis (10%). Radiological findings revealed hyperinflation in 70% of cases, peribronchial thickening in 40%, and patchy infiltrates in 30%. Haematological analysis showed a mean hemoglobin level of 10.5 ± 1.2 g/dL, total leukocyte counts of 11,000 ± 4,000 cells/?L, neutrophil percentage of 35 ± 25%, and lymphocyte percentage of 55 ± 10%. Lymphocytosis was observed in 60% of cases, leucocytosis in 40%, and elevated CRP levels in 30%. Conclusion: Bronchiolitis predominantly affects infants under 1 year, with a slight male predominance. Fever, cough, and wheezing are the most common clinical features. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to reducing complications.