[Treatment of acute bronchiolitis in infants. Role of bronchodilators and steroids].

The management of infant bronchiolitis with bronchodilators and steroids is controversial. A literature review on this topic allows to determine the influence of these medications on the first episode of viral bronchiolitis. The effect of alpha and beta adrenergic drugs is undoubtful but it is not possible to anticipate a positive or negative response based on the age of the child nor on a family history of atopic disease. Systemic steroid therapy has no immediate effect but inhaled steroids may be tried during the recovery period to reduce short term morbidity.