Table 3. Indications for hospital referral for acute bronchiolitis Adapted from [39].
Absolute indications | Relative indications | Indications for intensive care |
---|---|---|
- Cyanosis or very severe respiratory distress (RR >70 breaths/min, nasal flaring and/or grunting, severe chest wall recession) - Marked lethargy - Respiratory distress preventing feeding - Apneic episodes - Diagnostic uncertainty (toxic infant, temperature ≥40 degrees centigrade) |
- Congenital heart disease - Any survivor of extreme prematurity - Any pre-existing lung disease or immunodeficiency - Down's syndrome - Social factors: isolated family |
- Failure to maintain saturations >90% with increasing oxygen requirement - Deteriorating respiratory status and impending exhaustion - Worsening episodes of apnea |