Epidemiological and clinical profile of pediatric acute bronchiolitis in Herat, Afghanistan: A descriptive study

Background: Acute bronchiolitis is a leading cause of hospitalization in infants and young children worldwide. Despite its clinical significance, there is limited data on its epidemiology in Afghanistan. To describe the demographic, seasonal, and clinical characteristics of children admitted with acute bronchiolitis to Herat Regional Hospital during 1402 (2023/2024).
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included all pediatric patients diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis and admitted to the pediatric internal medicine ward of Herat Regional Hospital. Data from 180 cases were extracted retrospectively using a structured checklist and analyzed using Microsoft Excel.
Results: Among 11,131 pediatric admissions, 180 cases (1.6%) were diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis. The majority were male (67.8%) and under six months old (60%). A significant proportion (56.1%) came from low-income families. All patients presented with cough, wheezing, and increased respiratory rate. Most cases occurred in winter (78.3%), followed by spring (21.7%). Salbutamol nebulization was administered to all patients, while epinephrine was used in 12.8%. The case fatality rate was 1.1%.
Conclusion: Acute bronchiolitis predominantly affects male infants under six months and peaks during colder seasons. These findings emphasize the need for seasonal preparedness, public awareness, and early supportive intervention to reduce complications in high-risk populations.