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Bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the small air passages (bronchioles), usually caused by a virus (respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is one such virus).
Bronchiolitis affects infants. It is the leading cause of serious lower respiratory illness in infants.
Symptoms of bronchiolitis include laboured, rapid breathing with wheezing and a cough that sounds "tight." If the infection becomes severe, the infant's breathing rate may increase noticeably.
If severe difficulty breathing occurs, immediate medical attention is needed.
Current as of: March 1, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Susan C. Kim MD - Pediatrics & Brian D. O'Brien MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & John Pope MD - Pediatrics
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