Does your little one have a cold and are having a hard time breathing? Maybe they're making a wheezing sound in their chest. If so, this could be a condition called bronchiolitis that your baby may have. Don't worry, let's talk about it in detail, what it is, why it happens, what are the symptoms, and what we should do.
What is bronchiolitis?
Simply put, bronchiolitis is a viral infection of the lungs of young children under the age of two . What happens in this is that the very small airways in the child's lungs, called bronchioles , become swollen and narrow. Think of it like a water pipe getting stuck in the back of your throat, making it difficult for the baby to breathe.
You may notice that your baby is having symptoms of a common cold (such as runny nose and cough), along with a wheezing sound when breathing. This condition is usually more common during cold weather, such as winter and early spring .
Most of the time, this is not serious, but sometimes it can be serious. Therefore, if your baby has these symptoms, you should pay close attention to their breathing and see a doctor immediately if they have difficulty breathing.
How common is this condition?
Bronchiolitis is a common infection of the lower respiratory tract in children under two years of age .
Is bronchiolitis contagious?
Yes, absolutely. The viruses that cause bronchiolitis are contagious . These viruses are spread through respiratory droplets (`respiratory droplets`) that are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can be inhaled into the air, or they can land on frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, and then be transferred to your baby's mouth and nose by touching them.
What is the difference between Bronchiolitis and Bronchitis?
These two names are somewhat similar, so they can be confused. The symptoms are also somewhat similar. Both conditions are caused by viral infections, and both affect the airways in the lungs.
But here's the difference:
- Bronchitis affects the large airways (bronchi) in the lungs. It usually occurs most often in older children and adults.
- Bronchiolitis affects the very small, delicate airways (bronchioles) in the lungs. This is what happens to young children, especially babies under two years old.
Think of our lungs as a tree. The large branches of that tree are called ``bronchi``. The smallest airways in the lungs are called ``bronchioles``, which are like tiny branches that branch out as they branch. In bronchiolitis, it is those tiny airways that are affected.
What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis?
At first, these symptoms are very similar to those of a common cold.
Early symptoms:
- Sinusitis (sinusitis)
- Mild fever (fevers below 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius)
- Cough
- Fatigue, tiredness (`(fatigue)`)
- Frequent crying, restlessness, and loss of appetite in infants (`(fussiness or irritability)`)
Because this infection affects the child's respiratory system, some symptoms related to breathing may occur:
- Rapid or shallow breathing
- Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
- Grunting noises when breathing
- Flaring of the nostrils when breathing
When to seek emergency medical attention (be very careful about these symptoms!):
If your child is having trouble breathing, or if they have any of the following symptoms of serious bronchiolitis , contact your child's doctor immediately or take them to the nearest hospital emergency department.
- Difficulty sucking and/or swallowing (meaning the baby is unable to eat or drink properly)
- Excessive flaring of the nostrils and wheezing when breathing
- Chest retractions when breathing (the skin on the child's chest sticks tightly to the ribs and appears to be sinking in - we call this ``chest retractions'')
- Blue, gray, or pale color of the lips, fingertips, or toes (cyanosis). This occurs when the body is not getting enough oxygen.
- Dry mouth, no or very little urination, no tears when crying (these can be signs of dehydration )
What are the causes of bronchiolitis?
The main cause of this condition is a viral infection . There are several types of viruses that can cause bronchiolitis:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): This is the most common cause.
- Influenza virus: The virus that causes the flu we commonly call "flu."
- Adenovirus
- Parainfluenza virus (Parainfluenza)
- Metapneumovirus
- SARS-CoV-2 virus: This is the virus that causes COVID-19 (COVID-19).
Who is at higher risk of developing this condition?
Bronchiolitis is a condition that most often affects children under the age of two . Adults can also get it, but it's rare. Your child may be at higher risk of developing severe bronchiolitis for the following reasons:
- A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy (we call them "premature babies").
- If you have a congenital lung or heart condition.
- If the child has a weak immune system (`(compromised immune system)`) .
- If you frequently hang out in crowded places like daycares.
What complications can this cause?
Bronchiolitis can sometimes cause other complications. The main ones are:
- Pneumonia
- Asthma (some children are at risk of developing asthma later in life)
- Respiratory failure
Important: Bronchiolitis is a life-threatening condition if your child has severe symptoms that severely affect their ability to breathe. Therefore, if you notice that your child is having difficulty breathing, immediately call 1990 (Sri Lanka's emergency ambulance service), or take your child to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How do doctors diagnose this disease?
Your child's doctor will diagnose bronchiolitis by physically examining your child and doing tests if necessary . During the physical examination, the doctor will check your child's vital signs, temperature, and listen to your child's breathing with a stethoscope (``auscultation``) placed on their chest.
The doctor will also ask you questions about your child's symptoms. For example:
- How long has the child had these symptoms?
- Did the child have a fever?
- Has the child been in contact with other people who have been sick recently?
The doctor may attach a small device called a pulse oximeter to the child's fingertip or toe to check the child's blood oxygen level .
If necessary, a nasal fluid culture may be done to identify the type of virus. If the child has severe symptoms, a chest X-ray may also be done.
Are the symptoms of bronchiolitis similar to other diseases?
Yes, the symptoms of bronchiolitis can be similar to those of other respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Also, the wheezing sound when breathing can be mistaken for asthma. Sometimes, it can be suspected that the child has inhaled something (`(aspirated)`).
Remember, if you feel your child is having any difficulty breathing, see a doctor immediately. Only a doctor can differentiate one breathing problem from another and make an accurate diagnosis.
What is the treatment for this?
The main focus of treatment for bronchiolitis is to relieve symptoms , which means reducing the discomfort the baby is experiencing.
- Antipyretic medications: For example, paracetamol.
- Antiviral medications: For example, if the flu is caused by a virus, a medication like oseltamivir may be prescribed (this is a decision made by the doctor).
Not all cases of bronchiolitis require treatment, so it's best to talk to a doctor if your child has symptoms. Remember, this is a viral infection, so antibiotics won't help.
If your child is having trouble breathing, they may need to be hospitalized. At the hospital, they may need to be given oxygen therapy or intravenous fluids (IV fluids, which are saline) .
How to treat bronchiolitis at home?
While you should constantly monitor your child's breathing, you can help your child feel better by doing the following at home:
- Let the child rest well.
- If your child doesn't like to eat a large meal at once, feed them small amounts of food several times throughout the day.
- To prevent dehydration, give your child plenty of fluids to drink. For children under one year old, breast milk or formula is best. For older children, electrolyte beverages such as Pedialyte can be given on medical advice.
- Place a humidifier in your child's room. The moist air helps loosen mucus and other secretions and make them easier to expel.
- If your nose is blocked, use saline nose drops and a nasal suction device.
- Give your child a fever-reducing medicine, such as paracetamol (Tylenol), as directed by your doctor.
Warning: Never give aspirin to children. Doing so can cause a dangerous condition called Reye's syndrome.
How long does bronchiolitis last?
Most children diagnosed with bronchiolitis feel better within a week . Breathing may improve within a few days, and most symptoms go away within a week. However, in rare cases, mild symptoms may persist for a week or two. A child's cough may last for up to a month.
What should I expect if my child has bronchiolitis?
If your child has bronchiolitis, they may have symptoms for about a week. During this time of illness, your child may have difficulty eating properly and may lose their appetite. In such cases, try feeding them small meals throughout the day instead of large meals. It is important to keep your child well-hydrated during this time, as they are at higher risk of dehydration.
Ask your doctor what is safe to give your child to relieve symptoms and reduce fever. Do not give aspirin for any reason , as it can cause Reye's syndrome.
If your child's symptoms do not improve after a week, or if they get worse, see a doctor. If your child has trouble breathing, call emergency services immediately or go to the hospital's emergency department.
Some children, if they develop bronchiolitis as babies, may develop asthma as they grow up. Also, pneumonia can develop after bronchiolitis, but this is less common.
Can bronchiolitis occur more than once?
Yes. Because there are several types of viruses that can cause bronchiolitis, it is possible for your child to get this infection more than once.
Can bronchiolitis be prevented?
Because the viruses that cause it are so common, it's difficult to completely prevent bronchiolitis. However, you can take these steps to reduce your child's risk of developing it:
- Avoid people who are sick.
- Maintain the habit of washing your hands well (wash your hands thoroughly with soap regularly, and teach your child to do the same).
- Always clean and disinfect frequently touched items such as toys and doorknobs.
- Do not share things like cups, spoons, and forks with others.
Keep your child home from daycare or other close-knit environments until he or she recovers, as the virus that caused your child's illness is contagious.
When should I see a doctor?
If your child has any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately:
- If you are showing excessive tiredness, lethargy or drowsiness.
- If the child's skin, fingertips, or lips appear blue, gray, or pale .
- If symptoms get worse.
If you feel like your child's condition is not getting better, or if you have concerns about something, never be afraid to talk to a doctor.
If the child is having difficulty breathing (for example, if the nostrils are flaring or the chest is pulling in when breathing) , call 911 immediately, or take the child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
What questions should I ask my child's doctor?
It's a good idea to ask your child's doctor questions like these:
- Should I give my baby medicine? If so, for how long and how many times a day should I give it?
- When will my baby fully recover?
- Do I need to bring the baby back for a follow-up visit?
- Should I take my baby out of school or daycare for a few days?
- What over-the-counter painkillers do you recommend for fever and body aches?
- What symptoms should I especially look out for?
Bronchiolitis is a condition that affects your child's airways. It can make it hard for them to breathe. You may first notice that your child has symptoms of a cold and makes a wheezing sound when they breathe. If you are concerned about your child's breathing, see a doctor. There are treatments that can help your child's symptoms and provide them with relief. It is common for your child to have a cough for a few weeks, even after the infection has cleared up. If your child's symptoms get worse instead of better, call your doctor.
Finally, a few things to remember
Bronchiolitis is a common condition in young children, but it is important to be aware of it. Pay close attention to your child's breathing. If there are serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or changes in skin color, seek medical advice without delay. By taking proper care at home and following the doctor's instructions, your little one can recover quickly. Remember, you are not alone, and don't hesitate to seek medical advice at any time!
` Bronchiolitis, Bronchiolitis, Pediatrics, Breathing Difficulty, Cold, Cough, Lung Infections, Viral Infections, Airway, Wheezing, Dehydration, Baby Health, Home Care, RSV
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