Definition

Noun: A medical condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchioles, the smallest air passages in the lungs. This inflammation causes swelling and mucus buildup, leading to breathing difficulties. It is most common in infants and young children.

Usage

Bronchiolitis is used as a singular, non-count noun to name the specific illness. - The doctor diagnosed the infant with bronchiolitis. - Bronchiolitis is often caused by a viral infection. - Hospitalization may be required for severe cases of bronchiolitis.

Advanced Usage

• Epidemiological Context: The term is frequently used in public health and pediatric reports to discuss outbreaks, particularly during winter months.
  • The pediatric ward has seen a sharp increase in bronchiolitis cases this season.

Variants and Related Words

• Bronchiole (noun): One of the small tubular air passages in the lungs that branch from the bronchi. is the inflammation (-itis) of these.
• Bronchitis (noun): Inflammation of the larger air passages (bronchi). This is a related but distinct condition.

Synonyms

• Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI): A broader category of infections that can include bronchiolitis.
• Viral wheeze: A clinical term sometimes used interchangeably in young children, though it may not always imply the same specific inflammation.

Note: In medical contexts, precise terminology is preferred. While the terms above are related, they are not perfect synonyms for the specific pathological condition of bronchiolitis.

Noun

1. inflammation of the membranes lining the bronchioles