Definition

A condition where the small air passages in the lungs, called bronchioles, become inflamed, often affecting young children.

Example

The doctor diagnosed the baby with bronchiolitis after noticing the symptoms of coughing and wheezing.

Conversation

I heard that my neighbor's baby has bronchiolitis this week.

Oh no, that sounds tough for them, especially since it's common in young kids.

Yeah, I hope they get the right treatment soon.

Me too! It's always worrying when little ones get sick.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bronchiolitis is formed from "bronchus" (from Greek "bronkhion", meaning small airway) and "-itis" (from Greek "itis", meaning inflammation). The term refers to the inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, known as bronchioles.

Memory Tip

Think of 'small airways' ('bronchus') becoming 'inflamed' ('-itis') — that's what bronchiolitis means.

Visually Confused Words