Bronchiolitis
- Bronchiolitis is an infection of the lower part of the lung called bronchioles
- Bronchiolitis usually affect children younger than 2 years of age
- In most cases bronchiolitis goes away on its own, however, some children with bronchiolitis need to be seen by doctor or need hospitalization
- Bronchiolitis is typically caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) – the most common cause
- RSV infection is very common and contagious
- Most children have this infection at least once by age of 2-3
- Re-infection is also very common however it’s usually milder
- RSV is not something to worry about however in certain younger kids <2 years and certain high risk kids it can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia
- Children older than 2 year typically do not cause bronchiolitis but can be infected with RSV
Transmission of infection
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Sharing food or drinks
- Direct contact
Signs and Symptoms of bronchiolitis
- Usually begin like mild cough, stuffy or runny nose, etc.
- Fever (temperature higher than 100.4o F)
- Decreased appetite
- As infection progress other symptoms can start,
- Worsening cough (can last for 14 days or longer)
- Wheezing (usually last about 7 days)
- Rapid breathing /trouble in breathing
- Trouble eating and drinking (because lots of energy use in breathing)
- Discoloration of lips and fingers (lack of supply of oxygen)
What Parents Can Do
- In healthy child symptoms resolve in 1-2 week
- Gentle suctioning of the nose
- Encourage child to drink more liquids to prevent dehydration
- Use humidifier in your child’s room
- Treat fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) if child appears uncomfortable with fever
- Over the counter Cough and cold medications are not advisable as they may cause side effects and are not effective in the young child
- Avoid second hand smoke exposure
- Watch for worsening symptoms very closely
When to Call Your Pediatrician
- If child has breathing difficulties
- If child is younger than 2 or 3 months and has a fever >100.4o F
- Child older than 3 months and has fever >100.4o F for more than 3 days
- Child shows signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, crying without tears, and urinating less often
Call 911
- If your child stops breathing
- Start to turn blue or very pale
- Has hard time breathing
- Start grunting
- Looking tired of having hard breathing.
Prevention
- Washing your and your child’s hand often with soap and water or alcohol hand rubs
- Staying away from other adult and children who are sick
- Getting flu shot every year for you and your child
