Feeding efficiency and respiratory integration in infants with acute viralbronchiolitis

Objective: To examine the effects of bronchiolitis on feeding efficiency an d respiratory integration. Study design: We studied 21 infants with bronchiolitis and 21 bottle-fed he althy infants who formed a comparison group. Repeat evaluations of half the bronchiolitis group il ere performed during recovery. During each feeding study we measured the duration and frequency of sucking, the frequency of s ingle and multiple swallows, the respiratory rate, the postswallow respirat ory direction, and the suck and swallow volumes. Results: The infants with bronchiolitis devoted significantly less time to sucking than their healthy peers (P < .05), and the mean suck volume was re duced, Although the frequency of swallowing was slightly higher, the volume of milk consumed pcr swallow was almost half the amount consumed by the co mparison group (P < .01). Coordination of breathing with swallowing was als o less effective (P < .01), Conclusion: Although most aspects of feeding are less efficient during peri ods of respiratory illness, others are preserved or recover rapidly. Coordi nation of breathing Juring feeding is also significantly impaired.