Bronchiolitis, obstructive bronchitis

1. Big picture

Bronchiolitis and obstructive bronchitis / wheezy bronchitis are common pediatric causes of wheeze, cough, tachypnea, and respiratory distress, especially in infants and toddlers.

The core exam distinction:

Bronchiolitis
= first viral lower airway obstruction in an infant, usually RSV
= small airway edema + mucus plugging
= supportive care only

Obstructive bronchitis / wheezy bronchitis
= recurrent viral-triggered wheeze in infant/toddler
= “infant/toddler asthma-like” picture
= consider asthma tendency if recurrent, atopic, or bronchodilator-responsive

The examiner wants you to avoid the classic trap:

**Do not treat bronchiolitis like asthma