Bronchiolites

Abstract

The clinical presentations of bronchiolitis are extremely diverse, ranging from acute disorders with favourable outcome (such as the respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis of young children) to chronic progressive respiratory insufficiency (as the obliterative bronchiolitis after lung transplantation). Bronchiolar involvement is also a prominent component of smoking-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The knowledge of histopathological patterns, aetiology, lung function, and imaging of bronchiolitis are mandatory for precise diagnosis making and appropriate patient management.