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Bronchiolitis is an infection in the lungs that most commonly affects babies from three to six months old.
Worried your kid forgets everything they've learnt when not at school? Here's how to keep their brain sharp. more
Bronchiolitis is an infection in the lungs that most commonly affects babies from three to six months old. Is generally occurs in autumn and winter. At first, children with bronchiolitis may look appear to have a common cold but then symptoms will progress to wheezing and difficulty breathing.
What causes bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is generally caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), metapneumovirus, or a combination of viruses that cause other colds and flu. When the virus enters the respiratory system, it can cause inflammation of the bronchioli, the airway branches in the lungs. Mucous in the bronchioli then clogs the airways, making it hard to breathe.
Although anyone can contract the viruses that cause bronchiolitis, the illness tends to produce more severe symptoms in babies because their bronchioles are much smaller than those of older children and adults and can become more easily clogged.
Is bronchiolitis serious?
Bronchiolitis is usually not serious in otherwise healthy children. But children who may have existing health problems, such as a heart infection, lung infection, or weakened immune system, may need to be monitored more closely.
Can I prevent bronchiolitis?
Since bronchiolitis is caused by a virus, this infection is somewhat preventable using commonsense techniques. Teach children to wash hands often and practice good health hygiene. It is also important to avoid smoking which can complicate respiratory illnesses.
How do I know if my child has bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis begins in the same way as the common cold. Children generally have mild symptoms for the first few days with symptoms including a runny/stuffy nose and perhaps a slight fever. After a day or two, symptoms may become more serious with children experiencing the following:
- Very fast and/or strained breathing
- Wheezing (noisy breathing)
- Rapid heartbeat
- Poor feeding
Most symptoms go away in a week to ten days. The cough may linger for two weeks or more.
How do I treat bronchiolitis?
If your child has bronchiolitis, make sure he gets enough rest and plenty of fluids. Because he may not be feeling well and may be congested, encourage him to feed more often but take smaller amounts. Give paracetamol when appropriate and stay away from others for a few days to avoid transmitting the virus. Antibiotics wonét help treat bronchiolitis as it is caused by a virus.
Should I call the doctor?
If your child is less than three months old or has a heart or lung infection or a weakened immune system, call your doctor for advice.
Seek immediate medical care is your child if:
- Breathing very fast é more than 40 breaths a minute é and shallowly, or appears to be exhausted.
- Appears blue, especially around the lips and fingernails (cyanosis), or appears pale and sweaty
- Refuses to eat or drink for an extended period
What you need to know about bronchiolitis
- Bronchiolitis is caused by a virus.
- Bronchiolitis is usually not serious in otherwise healthy children.
- Most symptoms clear up in a week to ten days.
Find more relevant articles and information about bronchial infections:
- What is Influenza(Flu)?
- Learn about Pneumocystis Pneumonia
- More about pneumonia
- What is scarlet fever?
- Find information on sinusitis
- What is tuberculosis?
- Learn more about whooping cough (Pertussis)
Written by Rebecca Stigall for Kidspot, Australia's parenting resource for family health. Sources include Better Health Channel, NSW Health and Health Insite.
Last revised: Monday, 30 November 2009
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.