Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection in young children caused by a viral infection of the lungs. It leads to inflammation and mucus build-up in the airways, resulting in breathing difficulties.

Bronchiolitis is most common in babies under six months but sometimes occurs in babies up to 12 months old.

As Australian primary healthcare professionals are usually the first clinicians to assess a child with Bronchiolitis, it is important that changing epidemiology and presentations remain front of mind, alongside an appreciation of at-risk children, evidence-based management, and emerging options for mitigating RSV effects in the community.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the pathophysiology of RSV and its mechanisms of infectivity
2. Outline the pathophysiological and clinical differences between bronchiolitis and croup and list key differential diagnoses for both
3. Summarise a framework for assessing bronchiolitis disease severity
4. Summarise evidence-based guidelines for the management of bronchiolitis including requirements as a notifiable disease
5. Demonstrate a patient and parent-centered approach to explaining bronchiolitis and its management

Provider DetailsThe Provider of this activity is Praxhub. Praxhub is an authorised Provider of education under the RACGP CPD Program and a Certified Learning Provider under the CPD Home 2023-24 CPD Program. This activity has been endorsed by APNA according to approved quality standards criteria.