Question

which of the following is the type of infection that usually occurs as an epidemic that involves the small airways of the lungs, is most often seen in young children and caused by the respiratory syncytial virus?
whooping cough
croup
epiglottitis
acute bronchiolitis

Explanation:

• Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria.
• Croup is often caused by parainfluenza viruses and affects the upper airway (larynx and trachea).
• Epiglottitis is usually due to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria (though less common now with vaccines) and affects the epiglottis (a flap of tissue at the entrance of the windpipe).
• Acute bronchiolitis is an infection of the small airways (bronchioles) in the lungs. It is most common in young children (especially infants) and the most common cause is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Answer:

Acute bronchiolitis