Evaluation of Bronchiolitis in the Pediatric Population in the United States of America and Canada: A Ten-Year Review

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 15; no. 8; p. e43393
• Main Authors: Ajayi, Olamide O, Ajufo, Afomachukwu, Ekpa, Queen L, Alabi, Peace O, Babalola, Funmilola, Omar, Zainab T. O, Ekanem, Medara, Ezuma-Ebong, Chioma, Ogunshola, Opeyemi S, Akahara, Darlington E, Manandhar, Sapana, Okobi, Okelue E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Palo Alto Cureus Inc 12.08.2023; Cureus
• Subjects: COVID-19; Disease transmission; Family/General Practice; Hospitalization; Infections; Infectious Disease; Influenza; Mortality; Pandemics; Pathophysiology; Pediatrics; Public health; Respiration; Respiratory syncytial virus; Seasonal variations; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Viral infections; Viruses; Canada; United States > US
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43393

Bronchiolitis is a well-known viral infection among the pediatric population, significantly impacting hospitalization rates. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected respiratory viral infections, including bronchiolitis, as various mitigation measures were implemented. In this study, we analyzed bronchiolitis cases during the pandemic and post-pandemic period, aiming to identify changes in management guidelines and their incidence and management over the last 10 years. Moreover, we explored the relationship between bronchiolitis and COVID-19, a virus that gained rapid notoriety worldwide. By analyzing data from pediatric populations in Canada and the USA, we sought to understand the role of varying seasons in the peak periods of bronchiolitis infections.The comprehensive review's results will provide valuable insights into bronchiolitis dynamics within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim is to better comprehend the interplay between bronchiolitis, COVID-19, and seasonal variations, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of this respiratory viral infection and informing future management strategies. Furthermore, these findings can assist healthcare professionals in preparing for and responding to potential fluctuations in bronchiolitis cases in the post-pandemic era.