An infant hospitalized with moderate viral bronchiolitis is receiving supportive care with oxygen and fluids. Which nebulized adjunct has been shown to reduce the duration of hospitalization in such patients?
- A Hypertonic saline 3% ✓
- B Normal saline 0.9%
- C Adrenaline 1:1000
- D Budesonide suspension
Correct answer: A. Hypertonic saline 3%
Explanation
Nebulized 3% hypertonic saline draws water osmotically into airway secretions, improving mucociliary clearance, and trials show it shortens length of hospital stay in admitted infants with bronchiolitis. Adrenaline produces short-term clinical score improvement but does not reduce hospitalization, and corticosteroids have no benefit in bronchiolitis. Isotonic saline serves only as a diluent carrier.
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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