What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a viral infection of the lungs, which causes the bronchioles
to swell, making breathing difficult. It occurs most often in children under age
two during winter and early spring. The most common causes of bronchiolitis are
the influenza virus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
What are the signs of bronchiolitis?
- Runny nose
- Slight fever (under 101° F)
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Rapid breathing
- Shallow breathing
- Loss of appetite
How is bronchiolitis treated?
Antibiotics are not usually prescribed to treat this condition. Just like the
flu, bronchiolitis is caused by a virus and must be allowed to run its course.
Your child’s doctor should evaluate any illness that complicates your child’s
breathing. Bronchiolitis usually clears up within a week or two, but
children with more severe symptoms or complications may need to be hospitalized.
Some hospital treatments include: breathing treatments, fluids, and medicine
given intravenously (IV).
How can I care for my child at home?
To help your child feel better, there are some things you can do at home:
- Give your child plenty of clear fluids.
- Use a cool-mist vaporizer in the house if recommended by your
doctor.
- Give your child acetaminophen for fever. Do not give
your child aspirin.
Can bronchiolitis be prevented?
Bronchiolitis is contagious to other small children through close contact,
saliva, and mucus. The best way to prevent it is to limit your child’s
exposure to flu-like illnesses, particularly during winter months. Until your
child is better, keep him or her home from daycare and be sure to wash toys
with a disinfectant between uses. Always wash your hands before and after caring
for your child.
Call the doctor if your child:
- Is vomiting
- Is breathing very rapidly (more than 40 breaths per minute)
- Is having difficulty breathing
- Must sit up to breathe
- Is lethargic or unexplainably drowsy
Questions to ask your child’s doctor:
- Should I give my child
medication? If so, for how long and at what times of the day?
- How should I store the
medication? Should I refrigerate it?
- When will my child start to feel
better?
- Will I need to bring my child
back for a follow-up visit?
- Should I keep my child home from
school or daycare?
- Should he be limited from certain
activities? If so, which ones?
- Are there certain foods or liquids she
should have or avoid?
- Which over-the-counter pain
relievers do you recommend?
- Which over-the-counter
medications/preparations do you not recommend?
- Which symptoms should I report to
you/your office?