Therapeutic interventions and pulmonary function in pediatric patients with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans

Core Tip

Core Tip: Post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans leads to permanent small-airway obstruction and significant spirometric deficits in children, notably reduced forced expiratory volume in one second and forced expiratory flow at 25%-75% with poor bronchodilator response, while diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide often remains normal. This narrative review links these pulmonary function parameters with therapeutic interventions, showing that early use of inhaled or systemic corticosteroids and macrolides can stabilize or modestly improve lung function. Emerging combination regimens, such as fluticasone-azithromycin-montelukast, show promise but need further validation. Integrating regular spirometric monitoring with tailored anti-inflammatory strategies may optimize clinical outcomes and underlines the need for prospective studies.