J21: Acute bronchiolitis

J21.1: Acute bronchiolitis due to human metapneumovirus

Acute bronchiolitis due to human metapneumovirus is a respiratory infection where the small airways in the lungs, known as bronchioles, become inflamed. This inflammation is caused by the human metapneumovirus, which is a very common virus often spread through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms of this infection can vary but usually include cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and sometimes fever. This condition is most common in babies and young children, especially during winter and spring months. Disease progression typically involves an initial period of cold-like symptoms that may worsen over a few days, potentially leading to difficulty breathing if the inflammation becomes severe. While this infection affects the respiratory system, it can also incidentally impact other parts of the body due to the strain put on the body by the infection.