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Questions and Answers
What is the primary virus responsible for causing bronchiolitis?
What is the primary virus responsible for causing bronchiolitis?
Which process describes the accumulation of mucus and cellular debris in bronchioles during bronchiolitis?
Which process describes the accumulation of mucus and cellular debris in bronchioles during bronchiolitis?
Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of bronchiolitis in infants?
Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of bronchiolitis in infants?
What is a primary means of transmission for bronchiolitis-causing viruses?
What is a primary means of transmission for bronchiolitis-causing viruses?
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Which immune cells are recruited to the site of infection during bronchiolitis?
Which immune cells are recruited to the site of infection during bronchiolitis?
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What does the term 'V/Q mismatch' refer to in the context of bronchiolitis?
What does the term 'V/Q mismatch' refer to in the context of bronchiolitis?
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Which of the following viruses is least likely to cause bronchiolitis in infants?
Which of the following viruses is least likely to cause bronchiolitis in infants?
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What complication can arise from the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the bronchioles and alveoli?
What complication can arise from the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the bronchioles and alveoli?
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What is the primary viral infection associated with bronchiolitis?
What is the primary viral infection associated with bronchiolitis?
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Which group is least likely to be at high risk for developing bronchiolitis?
Which group is least likely to be at high risk for developing bronchiolitis?
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What factor is NOT considered a risk for developing bronchiolitis?
What factor is NOT considered a risk for developing bronchiolitis?
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What pathophysiological process occurs following a viral infection that contributes to bronchiolitis?
What pathophysiological process occurs following a viral infection that contributes to bronchiolitis?
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How does breastfeeding affect the risk of developing bronchiolitis?
How does breastfeeding affect the risk of developing bronchiolitis?
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What contributes to airway obstruction in bronchiolitis?
What contributes to airway obstruction in bronchiolitis?
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Which condition is NOT considered a pre-existing lung or heart condition that increases the risk for bronchiolitis?
Which condition is NOT considered a pre-existing lung or heart condition that increases the risk for bronchiolitis?
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Why are premature infants particularly susceptible to bronchiolitis?
Why are premature infants particularly susceptible to bronchiolitis?
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Study Notes
Bronchiolitis Overview
- Bronchiolitis is a viral infection causing bronchiole inflammation and obstruction.
- Primarily affects infants and young children under 2 years old.
- A common cause of hospitalization in this age group.
Most Likely Causes
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most frequent cause.
- Other potential causes include adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, influenza virus, and parainfluenza virus.
- These viruses target the bronchioles in the respiratory tract.
Pathophysiology
- Viral Infection: Respiratory viruses enter the upper respiratory tract and spread to bronchioles.
- Epithelial Cell Damage: Virus infects the bronchiole lining cells (epithelial cells), leading to swelling and cell death.
- Inflammatory Response: The immune system sends neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes to the infection site.
- Cytokine Release: These immune cells release cytokines, increasing vascular permeability and triggering mucus production.
- Airway Obstruction: Excess mucus, cellular debris, and sloughed-off cells block small airways.
- Airway Resistance: Obstruction increases airway resistance.
- Air Trapping: Leads to air accumulating in the lungs and difficulty exhaling.
- Over-Inflation: Lungs over-inflate due to trapped air.
- Impaired Gas Exchange: Inflammatory response and mucus build-up in alveoli prevent proper oxygen exchange.
- Hypoxemia: Breathing difficulties cause reduced oxygen levels in the blood.
Disease Transmission
- Direct Contact: Transmission occurs through direct contact with respiratory secretions (e.g., coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces).
- Airborne Droplets: Transmission via airborne droplets is also possible, from infected persons' sneezing or coughing.
- Surface Contamination: The virus can survive on surfaces for extended periods.
Risk Factors
- Age: Infants under 2, especially those under 6 months, are most at risk.
- Prematurity: Premature infants have underdeveloped immune systems and less developed lungs, increasing their vulnerability.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Chronic lung disease (CLD) or congenital heart disease (CHD) increase the risk.
- Exposure to Smoke: Exposure to secondhand smoke weakens the respiratory tract, increasing susceptibility.
- Daycare Attendance: Higher risk of exposure to respiratory viruses in group settings.
- Overcrowded Living: Contact between infectious individuals increases rapidly in close quarters.
- Lack of Breastfeeding: Infants who are not breastfed potentially lack the maternal antibodies to protect them from respiratory infections.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential aspects of bronchiolitis, including its causes, particularly the role of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and the pathophysiology of the infection. Ideal for students and healthcare professionals wanting to deepen their understanding of this common viral illness affecting young children.
