The typical management for bronchiolitis in a healthy infant is what?

• A. Supportive care with hydration and oxygen if SpO2 < 92%
• B. Broad-spectrum antibiotics
• C. Chest physiotherapy
• D. Corticosteroids

Answer: (A)

Bronchiolitis in an otherwise healthy infant is usually a viral, self-limited illness. The main approach is supportive care that keeps the child hydrated and ensures adequate oxygenation. Provide fluids (oral or IV) to prevent dehydration, and use nasal suctioning with humidified air to improve airway patency. Oxygen is given if there is hypoxemia, typically when SpO2 drops below 92%. Antibiotics aren’t used routinely because bronchiolitis is viral and there’s no bacterial infection to treat; other therapies like chest physiotherapy, systemic corticosteroids, or routine bronchodilators have not shown consistent benefit in uncomplicated cases. Monitor for worsening symptoms and escalate care if respiratory distress or dehydration develops.