Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

What is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in pediatric patients?

1. RSV

2. Parainfluenza

3. Adenovirus

4. Streptococcus

The correct answer is: RSV

The most common cause of bronchiolitis in pediatric patients is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This viral infection predominantly affects children under two years of age and is responsible for a significant number of cases of bronchiolitis, particularly during the winter months. RSV leads to inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, resulting in symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. While other viruses, such as parainfluenza and adenovirus, can also cause respiratory infections in children, they are less prevalent as causes of bronchiolitis compared to RSV. Streptococcus, on the other hand, typically does not cause bronchiolitis; it is more commonly associated with other types of infections, such as strep throat or pneumonia. Thus, RSV's high incidence and specific association with bronchiolitis make it the most common causative agent in pediatric cases.