Previously healthy infants may have increased risk of aspiration during respiratory syncytial viral bronchiolitis.
OBJECTIVE
Respiratory illnesses may cause feeding difficulties in infants. We studied the safety of oral feeding during respiratory syncytial viral (RSV) bronchiolitis in previously healthy infants.


METHODS
Twelve previously healthy infants (3-12 months) with RSV bronchiolitis underwent barium swallow studies during the acute phase of illness. Those with abnormal studies underwent repeat studies 2 to 4 weeks later.


RESULTS
The initial barium studies revealed aspiration in 3 infants. All repeat studies, performed 2 to 4 weeks later, were normal.


CONCLUSIONS
Even previously healthy infants may be at risk of aspiration during RSV bronchiolitis.
Khoshoo
V
V
West Jefferson Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA. vkhoshoo@earthlink.net
Edell
D
D
D001990:Bronchiolitis, Viral / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012307:Risk Factors; D012449:Safety; D013997:Time Factors