From the Guidelines
The treatment for bronchiolitis of known causes in adults should be tailored to the specific cause or diagnosis, as emphasized in the 2006 Chest journal guidelines 1. When considering the management of bronchiolitis in adults, it's crucial to identify the underlying cause to provide effective treatment.
- For infectious causes, such as bacterial or viral infections, antimicrobials like antibiotics or antivirals are prescribed to target the specific pathogen.
- In cases of toxic inhalation-induced bronchiolitis, immediate removal from the exposure and administration of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can help reduce inflammation.
- Bronchodilators, like albuterol, can provide symptomatic relief of wheezing and shortness of breath, while oxygen supplementation is necessary for patients with hypoxemia.
- The goal of treatment is to either eliminate the causative agent, reduce airway inflammation, improve airflow, or support respiratory function while the airways heal, as suggested by the guidelines 1. Key considerations in treatment include:
- Addressing the underlying cause of bronchiolitis
- Providing supportive care, such as oxygen supplementation and bronchodilators
- Tailoring therapy to the specific diagnosis, as recommended by the guidelines 1
From the FDA Drug Label
The clinical trials of oseltamivir phosphate were conducted in adults between 18 and 65 years old, one in the U.S. and one outside the U.S., for the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza. In both trials, there was a 1.3-day reduction in the median time to improvement in influenza-infected subjects who received oseltamivir phosphate 75 mg twice a day for 5 days compared to subjects who received placebo.
The treatment for bronchiolitis of known causes in adults is oseltamivir phosphate 75 mg twice daily for 5 days.
- The medication has been shown to reduce the median time to improvement in influenza-infected subjects.
- However, the efficacy of oseltamivir phosphate in the treatment of influenza in adult and adolescent subjects with chronic cardiac or respiratory diseases was not demonstrated. 2
From the Research
Treatment for Bronchiolitis of Known Causes in Adults
There are no research papers to assist in answering this question as the provided studies focus on the treatment of bronchiolitis in infants and children.
Available Information on Bronchiolitis Treatment
- The treatment of bronchiolitis in infants and children is primarily supportive care, including oxygen and fluid management 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Some studies suggest that adjunctive therapies, such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and ribavirin, may be beneficial in certain cases, but their use is not universally recommended 3, 5.
- The use of antiviral drugs, such as ribavirin, is limited due to adverse side effects and risks to healthcare providers 5.
- Clinical guidelines recommend against the routine use of certain therapies, such as chest radiographs, viral testing, and laboratory evaluation, in children with bronchiolitis 6.
- Standardization of bronchiolitis care with evidence-based institutional clinical pathways can help optimize resource utilization and improve care 6.
Key Points
- Supportive care is the primary treatment for bronchiolitis in infants and children.
- Adjunctive therapies may be beneficial in certain cases, but their use is not universally recommended.
- Clinical guidelines recommend against the routine use of certain therapies in children with bronchiolitis.
- Standardization of bronchiolitis care can help optimize resource utilization and improve care.