MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE VIRAL BRONCHIOLITIS IN EMERGENCY SETTINGS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF CURRENT THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES

Abstract

Acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) remains one of the leading causes of hospitalization in infants, with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as the most frequent etiological agent. This article presents an integrative review of current therapeutic strategies for managing AVB in emergency settings, covering aspects from diagnosis to preventive and supportive interventions. Recent evidence-based recommendations emphasize symptomatic treatment, judicious use of oxygen therapy, and adequate hydration, while discouraging the routine administration of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. The review also highlights the relevance of vaccination and prophylaxis with monoclonal antibodies for high-risk groups, with particular attention to the recent approval of the Arexvy vaccine in Brazil. The analysis underscores the importance of continuously updating clinical practices and developing new approaches to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve AVB outcomes.