Guideline for the diagnosis, management and prevention of bronchiolitis in South Africa

Abstract

ENDORSEMENT : South African Thoracic Society, South African Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, United South African Neonatal Association. OBJECTIVE : To develop and publish a guideline for doctors managing acute viral bronchiolitis, because this condition is extremely common in South Africa, it is responsible for significant morbidity in the population, and subsequently a great deal of patient and parental distress, and the disease is costly, since many children are unnecessarily subjected to investigations and treatment strategies that are of no proven benefit. The main aims of the guideline are to promote an improved standard of treatment based on understanding of the disease and its management, and to encourage costeffective and appropriate management. EVIDENCE : A detailed literature review was conducted and summarised into this document by a selected working group of paediatricians from around the country. RECOMMENDATIONS : These include the appropriate diagnostic and management strategies for acute viral bronchiolitis.