Andrea Rivera-Sepulveda, MD

Research Project:
Feasibility and Performance of Airwave Oscillometry for Bronchiolitis Assessment in the Emergency Department

Grant Awarded:

Catalyst Award

Research Topic:

clinical research

Research Diseases:

dyspnea
respiratory syncytial virus
respiratory viruses

Bronchiolitis is a common viral lung infection causing inflammation and mucus buildup in the small airways (bronchioles), primarily in infants and young children. This study aims to improve how doctors evaluate infants with bronchiolitis, one of the most common reasons babies come to the emergency department. Right now, clinicians rely on scoring systems that are based on observing breathing symptoms, which can be subjective and may not fully show how blocked or tight the airways really are. This project will test a simple, noninvasive breathing tool called airwave oscillometry, which measures how easily air moves through a child’s lungs while they breathe normally. We will determine whether this tool can be used reliably in the emergency department and whether it provides better information about illness severity and the need for treatments like oxygen or hospitalization. By developing a more accurate and objective way to assess breathing problems in infants, this research could lead to earlier detection of severe illness, more personalized care, and better long-term lung health.

Page last updated: September 22, 2026

Andrea Rivera-Sepulveda, MD

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