Prevalence of Bronchiolitis in Children up to Two Years of Age Presented to Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Dogar, Central Kurram

Objective: To determine the prevalence of bronchiolitis in children up to 2 years of age presenting to Tehsil Headquarter (THQ) Hospital Dogar, Central Kurram. Study design: A retrospective study. Duration and place of study: The study was conducted in THQ Hospital Dogar over a one-year period from January to December 2024. Methodology: This retrospective study reviewed and analyzed medical records of 600 children aged 0–24 months who were clinically diagnosed with bronchiolitis at Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Dogar during the specified period. Data collected included demographic variables such as age and gender, seasonal variations, hospitalization rates, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, need for mechanical ventilation, mortality, and average length of hospital stay. For statistical analysis, patients were further categorized into three distinct age groups to identify risk distribution and trends more accurately. Results: The findings revealed that bronchiolitis cases showed a clear seasonal pattern, with the highest incidence during winter months (40%). The majority of affected children were infants aged 3–5 months (50%). Hospitalization was required in 66.7% of patients, while 25% needed ICU admission. Among these, 10% required mechanical ventilation, and the mortality rate was recorded at 2.5%. The lowest case numbers were observed during the summer season. Conclusion: Bronchiolitis remains a common respiratory illness in young infants, particularly those between 3 and 5 months of age, with a marked peak during winter. Strengthening preventive measures, early recognition, and effective management strategies are essential to minimize hospitalizations and reduce disease burden in this vulnerable population.