Complications
Studies have shown a low prevalence of bacterial infection in bronchiolitis, and systemic antibiotics should only be used if there is concomitant bacterial infection.
Recurrent wheezing is common in infants with bronchiolitis, especially those who have been hospitalised. Wheezing can last for several years after infection, although epidemiological studies suggest that the prevalence decreases by around age 13 years or before.
Most studies suggest that bronchiolitis and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection are not risk factors for the development of inhalant allergy and asthma. However, one study of hospitalised infants with RSV bronchiolitis did report a greater incidence of atopic disease and asthma.[117] Recent studies have failed to clarify whether viral bronchiolitis and/or RSV contribute to the development of asthma, or serve as clinical markers of a genetic predisposition to asthma.[118][119]
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