Background: Bronchiolitis is one of the most common lower respiratory tract infection in the children aged two months to twenty four months.The illness is often caused by viral infection with varying clinical presentation.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to analyse the demographic characteristics, clinical fea­tures and risk factors in children with bronchiolitis.

Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted in children attending Paediatrics department at a tertiary care centre in Chidambaram, Tamilnadu with clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis aged 2 to 24 months. Children were enrolled as per inclusion criteria.The demographic characteristics, clinical features and major risk factors of admitted children were studied.

Results: Seventy five children with clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis were enrolled for study. Forty six (61%) children were male. Mean age was 6.32 ± 4.09months. Male to female ratio was 1.5:1.Risk factors predisposing to bronchiolitis were analysed in the admitted children. Twenty-one (28%) children were premature at birth. Nineteen (25%) children had Low birth weight (<2500 grams). Overcrowding in house was present in seventeen (22%) children and eighteen (24%) had exposure to passive smoking. Eight (10%) children were malnourished. The most common clinical symptoms observed were cough, dyspnoea and fever. Major clinical signs at the time of admission were chest retractions, wheezing and tachypnea.

Conclusion: Bronchiolitis was primarily seen in children of age 2-6 months, with male predominance. Major risk factors observed were prematurity, low birth weight and passive smoking. Cough, dyspnoea and fever were most common symptoms.Chest retractions and wheeze were major signs.

Keywords: Bronchiolitis, Clinical profile, Risk factors, Wheeze.

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Vahini V

Post graduate, Department of Pediatrics, Rajah Muthiah Medical College & Hospital,

Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram - 608002, Tamilnadu, India