A Study to Assess Correlation between Risk Factors and Severity of Acute Bronchiolitis

Abstract

Viral bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract infection in infants and children who are 2 years of age and younger. Aim: To analyse the identifiable risk factors for severity of bronchiolitis. Objectives: 1. To study the clinical profile and outcome of children with bronchiolitis. 2. Analysis of risk factors like gestational age, chronological age and indoor pollutants with severity of illness and hospital stay. Materials and Methods: A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study was done from August 2019-August 2020. A complete history was taken, with regards to risk factors like gestational age, birth weight, diet, socioeconomic status, overcrowding, passive smoking, indoor allergens and parental asthma was collected.  A general physical examination was done and the severity of illness was assessed by Wood Downes score. Statistical analysis: The collected data were analyzed with IBM SPSS software version 23. A p value of <0.05 was considered as significant level. Results: A total of 120 children were enrolled in the study. Preterm babies and babies less than 6 months had more severe illness and required more duration of oxygen supplementation and hospital stay. In indoor pollutants like mosquito coil and incense stick smoke increased the severity of illness and need for oxygen. Conclusion: Oxygen support and hospitalization is required by mostly preterm babies and infants less than 6 months of age. Absence of fever is a good prognostic factor. Indoor pollutants especially mosquito coil and incense stick have a correlation with severity of illness at admission and duration of hospital stay.