Table 1.

Bronchiolitis management approach based on illness severity

SEVERITY	CLINICAL FEATURES	DISPOSITION MANAGEMENT
Mild	No or mild respiratory distress Well hydrated, feeding adequately “Happy wheezer”	Usually managed as outpatient and at home
Moderate	Moderate respiratory distress Tachypnea with respiratory rate >60 breaths/min Inadequate feeding Brief apnea	Often needs observation, including assessment in the ED; hospitalization may be required^*
Severe	Severe respiratory distress Unable to feed or clinically dehydrated Lethargic Frequent apneas	ED assessment and hospitalization required^*

ED—emergency department.
↵* Indications for admission include severe respiratory distress, dehydration or poor fluid intake, cyanosis or apnea, family unable to cope, and infants at risk of severe disease.¹