Bronchiolitis versus asthma: which statement is true about their typical age presentations?

• A. Bronchiolitis occurs in younger children; asthma more common in older children
• B. Bronchiolitis occurs in older adults; asthma occurs in young children
• C. Bronchiolitis is caused by bacteria; asthma by viruses
• D. Bronchiolitis affects the lungs; asthma affects the heart

Answer: (A)

Bronchiolitis and asthma show distinct age patterns. Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that primarily affects the small airways in very young children, especially infants under 1 year old. Asthma typically becomes evident as children get older, often in the preschool to school-age years, though it can start later in childhood or even adulthood. Therefore, the statement that bronchiolitis occurs in younger children and asthma is more common in older children is true.

Note: bronchiolitis is viral, not bacterial, and asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that affects the lungs (not the heart) and can be triggered by viruses but is not caused by a single virus.