Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is inflammation of the small airways, most often in infants and young children.
When to get help quickly: Urgent review is important if a baby is struggling to breathe, feeding poorly, has fewer wet diapers, looks very tired, pauses in breathing, or develops blue lips or skin.
Common symptoms
It usually starts like a cold with a blocked or runny nose and cough, then may lead to fast breathing, wheezing, poor feeding, irritability, or reduced wet diapers in babies.
When imaging helps
Imaging is usually not needed in straightforward bronchiolitis, but it can help if symptoms are unusually severe, prolonged, or there is concern about pneumonia or another diagnosis.
What radiology does
Imaging is not always needed, but chest X-ray may be used when symptoms are severe, prolonged, or atypical.
What usually happens next
Treatment is usually supportive with hydration, oxygen when needed, and close clinical monitoring.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.