Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection among infants and children. This disease is caused by a virus. The infection is usually mild and can be treated at home, but in some cases, children need to go to the hospital.
Most infants with bronchiolitis are relieved within a week, but for some, the symptoms may last for a few weeks. For young babies, breathing may be difficult and they may have episodes of apnea, a condition where they stop breathing for a short period. Children may also have difficulty swallowing and drinking fluids.
In some cases, the infection can lead to pneumonia. This is when there is a buildup of mucus in the airways, which blocks the flow of oxygen and can cause the lungs to collapse. Symptoms of this kind of illness may include wheezing, coughing, and fever. If your child has severe symptoms, you should call for an ambulance.
The symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to those of the cold. A runny nose, wheezing, and coughing are signs of the disease. Infants with bronchiolitis may also have a fever, which can be treated with ibuprofen or paracetamol. They should also drink a lot of liquids, such as water.
Depending on the severity of the illness, your child may be prescribed antibiotics, like Ventolin, which can help open up the airways. However, these drugs are not effective in infants younger than six months. Occasionally, your doctor will need to use a nasal swab to detect the type of virus causing the infection.
Your baby should be kept out of school until he or she shows signs of improvement. During flu season, it is important to isolate the child to reduce the risk of further infection. You should also be careful to avoid others who are sick. Try to wash your hands regularly and make sure the infant gets enough rest.
There are several different viruses that can cause bronchiolitis, including the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Some babies can have an RSV outbreak even if they were breastfed. Another possible risk factor is premature birth. Getting bronchiolitis is especially common in infants who breathe cigarette smoke. It is important to keep your infant away from smoke.
Babies with bronchiolitis need to be monitored carefully for complications. They may need supplemental oxygen or IV fluids to hydrate them. Also, they might need to be placed on a respirator, which can help them breathe.
Children who have bronchiolitis should not be around other people or animals, because they are at risk of contracting the virus. Keep your baby away from cigarette smoke and be sure to provide him or her with plenty of fluids. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
If your child does not improve after a few days, your doctor may suggest other tests to diagnose the disease. He or she might perform a blood test to measure the white blood cell count and a chest X-ray to see if there is pneumonia.
