CAM therapies are frequently used to treat children. Most parents who use CAM therapies to treat their children use such therapies themselves. Large proportions of children who are taking herbal supplements are also taking prescription or over-the-counter medications concurrently.
This case illustrates the classic presentation of bronchiolitis, which is a clinical diagnosis. The pathophysiology is that of an upper respiratory infection, most commonly respiratory syncytial virus, progressing to involve the lower airways, with subsequent wheezing and respiratory distress. Supportive care is the focus of management in the majority of cases, as interventions including bronchodilators, nebulized racemic epinephrine, nebulized hypertonic saline (for nonhospitalized settings), steroids, and antibiotics all provide inconsistent or no benefit. Although a small subset of patients has shown to benefit from bronchodilator therapy, no study clearly defines this group. In severe cases, noninvasive respiratory support may be needed. Radiographic imaging and respiratory panel testing for infectious causes are not routinely recommended.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.