Current Management of Acute Bronchiolitis in Incheon

Kim, Jung Sun; In, Doo Kyo; Sun, Yong Han; Hong, Hee Joo; Cho, Kang Ho; Son, Dong Woo; Jeon, In Sang; Tchah, Hann

Abstract

PURPOSE: Although acute bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract infection in the first year of life, the use of pharmaceutical agents has been debated. The purpose of this study was to examine the current management practice of acute bronchiolitis by pediatricians in Incheon and to compare this with management internationally.
METHODS
We sent postal questionnaires to all pediatricians in Incheon to assess their current practice for treating acute bronchiolitis. We analyzed the frequency of bronchodilators, steroids, xanthines use. These results were compared with international management.
RESULTS
Of a total 131 questionnaires, 80(61 percent) were returned. Ninety percent of pediatricians used bronchodilator inhalation, either routinely(41 percent) or occasionally(43 percent). Steroid were used by 93 percent of the respondents, always(23 percent) or sometimes (65 percent). Pediatricians in Incheon tended to use pharmaceutical agents more frequently than Australian pediatricians who have consensus guidelines for the management of acute bronchiolitis, and as frequently as Swiss pediatricians who do not.
CONCLUSION
Pharmaceutical agents are frequently used in the management of acute bronchiolitis by pediatricians in Incheon. Better therapeutic approaches are needed for bronchiolitis care.