Bronchiolitis most commonly affects which population?

Bronchiolitis most commonly affects which population?

• A. Infants and children younger than 2 years
• B. Teenagers
• C. Adults over 60
• D. Newborns only

Answer: (A)

Bronchiolitis is a viral infection of the small airways that most often involves very young children, because their tiny bronchioles are easily obstructed by inflammation and mucus. The highest risk is in the first year of life, especially around 2–6 months, so infants and toddlers under 2 years are by far the most commonly affected group. Teens and adults—even newborns—are much less commonly affected, since airway size and immune responses differ with age. So the population most commonly affected is infants and children younger than 2 years.

Bronchiolitis is a viral infection of the small airways that most often involves very young children, because their tiny bronchioles are easily obstructed by inflammation and mucus. The highest risk is in the first year of life, especially around 2–6 months, so infants and toddlers under 2 years are by far the most commonly affected group. Teens and adults—even newborns—are much less commonly affected, since airway size and immune responses differ with age. So the population most commonly affected is infants and children younger than 2 years.