Bronchiolitis: The Most Common Disease in Children Under 2

 

Bronchiolitis is one of the most common diseases in children under 2 years old. It's also considered to be a major cause of death among infants and young children. Learn more in this article about what causes bronchiolitis, how you know if your child has it, how it's diagnosed, and what treatments for Bronchiolitis are available. You might even want to share this article with other parents you know so they can have some tips on giving their kids the best chance at fighting off bronchiolitis before it becomes a problem!

 

What is Bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is a viral infection of the lower respiratory tract that most commonly occurs in infants and young children. The virus causes the inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, known as bronchioles. This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing. In severe cases, it can also cause pneumonia. Bronchiolitis is usually caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but it can also be caused by other viruses such as rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, or adenovirus.

Most children with bronchiolitis will recover on their own within two to three weeks. However, some may require hospitalization for treatment of dehydration or respiratory distress. Some infants may also need supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation. There is no specific treatment for bronchiolitis and no vaccine to prevent it. The best way to protect your child from bronchiolitis is to practice good hand-washing hygiene and to avoid contact with people who are sick.

 

What Causes Bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is caused by a virus, most commonly the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It can also be caused by other viruses such as rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, and adenovirus. Bronchiolitis usually occurs in infants and young children, but it can occur in older children and adults. The symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to those of a cold or the flu, but they may be more severe.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Bronchiolitis

The most common sign of bronchiolitis is a wheezing sound when your child breathes. Other symptoms may include:

• Fever


• Runny nose


• Decreased appetite


• Coughing


• Rapid breathing


• Difficulty feeding


• Irritability or lethargy

In some cases, the symptoms of bronchiolitis can be mild. However, in other cases, the symptoms can be more severe and may include difficulty breathing, blueness around the mouth or fingers, and dehydration. If you are concerned about your child's symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.

 

Treatments for Bronchiolitis

There are many different treatments for bronchiolitis, but the most important thing is to focus on relieving your child’s symptoms and making them comfortable.

If your child is having difficulty breathing, you can use a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer in their room to help moisten the air and make it easier for them to breathe. You can also hold your child upright while they sleep, which will help drain any mucus from their lungs.

If your child is having trouble eating or drinking, try offering them small frequent meals or snacks and avoid letting them get too tired. It’s also important to make sure they’re getting plenty of fluids, so offer them water, juice, or clear soup often throughout the day.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to help relieve your child’s symptoms. For example, they may recommend an inhaled bronchodilator to help open up the airways or an oral steroid to reduce inflammation. If your child is hospitalized, they may also receive oxygen therapy or IV fluids.

 

Prevention of Bronchiolitis

The most effective way to prevent bronchiolitis is to avoid exposure to respiratory viruses, especially during the fall and winter months. There are a few ways you can do this:

 1. Get vaccinated against the flu and other respiratory viruses. The influenza vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu.

 2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This will help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you must be around someone who is ill, wear a mask or face shield. For more information, you can contact us at +18449694325  or visit WoW Health.