Bronchiolitis

What is Bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis primarily impacts infants and children under 2, with its highest occurrence observed in babies aged 3 to 9 months. This common lung infection induces symptoms resembling a cold, accompanied by coughing and breathing difficulties.

 

The underlying cause is the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can manifest as cold symptoms, though occasionally progressing to affect the lower respiratory tract and causing bronchiolitis.

 

Typically, the condition resolves naturally, but in some instances, medical intervention is necessary to provide care and support during recovery.

 

Now, let's examine this condition in more detail.

What are the symptoms of Bronchiolitis?

A common cold's initial symptoms are very similar to those of bronchiolitis:

 

  • A blocked nose

  • A runny nose

  • A cough

  • A slightly high temperature

 

After that, other symptoms may begin to appear:

 

  • Fast breathing or irregular breathing

  • Being irritable and not settling

  • Flaring nostrils

  • Wheezing

  • Feeling sick after eating or drinking or having difficulty eating or drinking

When to go to the hospital

In certain instances, bronchiolitis can result in significant symptoms that necessitate immediate medical intervention. If your infant is experiencing the following symptoms, you must contact emergency services:

 

  • Displays significant breathing difficulties - this could involve evident struggles to inhale or visible exhaustion from the effort to breathe.

  • Exhibits abdominal breathing patterns, potentially accompanied by grunting sounds and noticeable inward movement of the rib cage muscles.

  • Breathes at a rate exceeding 60 breaths per minute.

  • Experiences pauses of 5 to 10 seconds or longer between breaths or even ceases breathing for intervals surpassing 10 seconds.

  • Presents with a pallid, damp, or sweaty complexion.

  • Shows bluish discolouration on the lips, beneath the tongue, or in the nails and skin; a thorough examination inside the mouth is recommended.

  • Demonstrates an inability to awaken, extreme drowsiness, or struggles to remain alert.

Dehydration and Bronchiolitis

Bronchitis also makes it difficult to eat because it causes dehydration.

 

If you suspect that a child or infant may be dehydrated, seek immediate medical attention by taking them to the emergency room or scheduling an urgent appointment with a general practitioner if they display any of the following symptoms:

  • Reduced wet nappies

  • If they have a sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on their head)

  • Their mouth is dry

  • Have no tears when they cry (or very few)

  • Their hands and feet are cold and mottled

  • Their urine is dark yellow

  • Floppiness

  • Drinking less than 50% of their regular intake

  • Drowsiness

  • A rapid heartbeat or breathing

  • Irritability

 

What are the causes of Bronchiolitis?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the causative agent for bronchiolitis, which shares similarities with common cold symptoms. However, RSV infection can progress to bronchiolitis in infants and young children.

 

Children and babies may be more susceptible to bronchiolitis based on certain factors. These factors include:

 

  • In the case of bottle feeding instead of breastfeeding.

  • Being born prematurely.

  • Being born with a heart or lung ailment.

  • Exposure to surroundings where cigarette smoke is present.

  • Possessing a compromised immune system.

  • Being near other individuals infected with the virus, including school-age children or adults. This includes situations where the child or infant attends nursery school.

 

What is the treatment for Bronchiolitis?

Treatment for bronchiolitis does not involve any particular medication, as a virus causes it. Antibiotics are ineffective in treating this condition, as they only work against bacterial infections.

 

Your baby or child's immune system will work to kill the virus, and the condition should improve independently. After 2 to 3 weeks, they should have a full recovery. They must have plenty of rest during this time. If their temperature is high, you can use paracetamol or ibuprofen, but check that the medicine is suitable for their age by speaking to a pharmacist or reading the information sheet that comes with it.

 

To prevent dehydration, providing your child or baby with fluids is essential. Additionally, using a humidifier can help alleviate symptoms by moistening the air.

 

Consider elevating one side of your child's crib to alleviate a stuffy nose and promote a slight head incline. Additionally, saline nasal drops may help relieve congestion and encourage comfortable feeding. Finally, ensure your child is not exposed to harmful fumes like cigarette smoke.

 

If your child's condition does not improve or deteriorate, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Please refer to the information above regarding when immediate medical attention may be necessary. You can get online help through Mobi Doctor.

 

In certain instances, a child may require hospital care, typically due to difficulties consuming food and fluids, which puts them at risk of dehydration. Oxygen therapy might also be necessary to assist their breathing during recovery.

Avoid spreading the virus.

To prevent the virus from spreading, having anyone who comes into contact with the child wash their hands is essential. Additionally, clean any toys or surfaces the child may have touched to avoid risking transmitting the virus to others.