What is the term used for the infection of the bronchioles in the lungs?

The term specifically used for the infection of the bronchioles in the lungs is bronchiolitis. This condition primarily affects the small air passages (bronchioles) and is most commonly seen in infants and younger children, although it can occur in adults as well. Bronchiolitis is typically caused by viral infections, most notably by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The inflammation and swelling in the bronchioles lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, and an increase in mucus production.

In contrast, bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the larger bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs, not specifically the smaller bronchioles. Cellulitis involves a bacterial infection of the skin and the tissues beneath it and is unrelated to the respiratory system. Dilation does not relate to infection but rather describes the process of widening or enlarging a structure, which does not apply here. Therefore, bronchiolitis is the precise term that describes the infection affecting the bronchioles.