Bronchiolitis Information

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Bronchiolitis

What is Bronchiolitis?

An acute respiratory illness that mostcommonly affects young infants, especially those be-tween two and six months of age, although it can be seenin children as old as two. The viruses that cause this in-fection not only irritate the nose and upper airway (asseen in a typical cold), but they also provoke inflamma-tion and narrowing of very small airways known asbronchioles. (This is a different illness from bronchitis,which affects the larger airways.)

Bronchiolitis is a seasonal illness, usually seen be-tween November and April. While any of a number of viruses (including influenza) could be the cause, thepiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is usually involved_is such an extraordinarily contagious virus thatall children have been infected with it by the age arOnly about one in three develop lower-airway psuch as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, while the recmore routine colds.

Bronchiolitis usually begins with typical coldtoms - a runny nose, cough, and low-grade feverone to three days. Then comes a deeper, raspy cough, followed by more rapid, shallow, and noisy breathing 3r-amsome cases wheezing), depending on the severity of in.fection. Infants with bronchiolitis frequently lack amest in feeding and often become restless and agitated.For most infants, bronchiolitis is a self-limitedthat won't require special medication or hospitalization.

The most important thing you can do for your children is to watch her activity, feeding, and breathing parer-.Calming and comforting her as much as possib:: amihelp, since fussing and crying can aggravate any bre2.-ing difficulty. Using a humidifier and encouragingto take liquids will help her clear secretions and prevent dehydration. Because of the extra effort neededbreathe, she may nurse or take formula more slOver-the-counter decongestants or cough mixture,not usually recommended for infants with brone,nli-tis, and antibiotics will not alter its course, alth,umthey may be used if a secondary infection (such uriear infection) develops. Oral bronchodilators (mectal-tions that help open the airway) may be prescribe:your child's doctor.

Occasionally an infant with more severe bronchEamwill need to be hospitalized. Oxygen and supplemmcatfluids are usually given, .d inhaled )tronchodiiss.may help as well.

A child with RSV sheds a large amount of virus(rentthe secretions of the nose and upper airway, and :sentviruses (like many others) are easily passed front perm:to person by hands and inanimate objects. If you are at-ing for a baby or child with a runny nose and cough.member to wash your hands after you have handled(or anything she has touched or gummed) to reducerisk of spreading the virus to other children. Infant,toddlers are contagious for two to three days before -symptoms begin and for one to two weeks after.A baby with chronic medical problems who r-have more difficulty with bronchiolitis might begkept away from groups of small children (such ascare or the church nursery) during the winter andspring, especially when RSV or influenza is known topresent in your community. Check with your bhealth-care provider for specific advice.

For most infants and children, there are no lasting effects of bronchiolitis. However, 30 percent or more will have problems with asthma later in life. It is unknown whether damage to the airways rom RSV makes them more prone to wheezing or whether children who are destined to become asthmatic simply have more trouble with RSV.

Bronchiolitis Symptoms

This condition may commence in a simple, seemingly innocuous manner, with a slight cough, mild nasal discharge and loss of appetite. But then symptoms rapidly develop. A harsh, unproductive cough occurs, with wheezing, and breathing becomes difficult. The child becomes restless and the complexion bluish (called cyanosis). The heart races and breathing is rapid. As the patient struggles for breath, the tissues between the ribs seem to be sucked in. The child is obviously very ill, and is prostrate and often struggling for breath. There may be a fever, but often this is not marked.

Bronchiolitis Treatment

Call the doctor at once, for this is no place for amateurs. The sooner the victim is transfer to a hospital with full facilities for dealing with this is effected, the better.

As an interim measure, making sure the air is warm and moist is helpful and makes breathing a little easier. Fortunately most mothers have an inbuilt intuition. Although they cannot diagnose a child's illness in many cases, they are aware if there is acute illness - merely looking will tell them. That is the signal to get medical help, promptly.

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