Bronchiolitis is a very common viral lung infection in infants younger than 2 years that causes inflammation of the narrower airways of the lung, called bronchioles. When these channels are turned on, mucus production increases that interferes with the passage of air, causing breathing difficulties.
In most cases, symptoms of bronchiolitis improve in 2 to 3 weeks without the need for specific treatment, however, it is very important that the baby is evaluated by the pediatrician when the first symptoms appear, not only to rule out other diseases, but also to assess the need for hospitalization, as some children may have very serious symptoms.
- During the first two days.
- Bronchiolitis causes flu- or cold-like symptoms.
- Such as a persistent cough.
- Fever greater than 37.
- 5 degrees Celsius.
- Nasal congestion.
- And nasal discharge.
- These symptoms usually last a day or two and then progress to:.
Although symptoms can frighten parents, bronchiolitis is curable and generally not severe, and can be treated at home with simple precautions that relieve symptoms and facilitate breathing.
Learn how to treat bronchiolitis at home
Diagnosis of broqnuiolitis is usually made by the pediatrician after evaluating the signs and symptoms the child has, as well as the general medical history.
In some cases, especially when bronchiolitis takes time to pass or when symptoms are very severe, your pediatrician may order blood tests to check for other infections.
Although bronchiolitis can occur in all children, this infection appears to be more common in children under two because their airways are narrower.
In addition, symptoms appear to be more severe in infants with
Premature babies or those with weakened immune systems also have an increased risk of developing more severe bronchiolitis, which may require hospitalization.
There is no antiviral drug to remove the virus that causes bronchiolitis, but the body usually removes the virus naturally after 2 to 3 weeks.
During this time, it is important to care for the baby in the same way that a cold is treated, letting it rest, avoiding temperature changes, misting with whey and keeping it well hydrated with milk and water. In addition, in case of fever, for example, the pediatrician should be consulted to use medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms.
The baby is rarely needed to enter the hospital and these cases only occur when there is great shortness of breath.
Physical therapy in children and infants with bronchiolitis can be especially important in the most severe cases, to reduce the consequences of infection in the respiratory system and therefore may also be recommended by the pediatrician.
After infection, some children may have damage to lung tissue, especially in the bronchi and bronchioles, leading to increased mucus production and breathing problems. Physical therapy helps clean the lungs by performing breathing exercises, reducing shortness of breath.
Bronchiolitis occurs when a virus can reach the lungs and cause inflammation of the airways. Then, to prevent this problem from appearing, it is recommended to:
While this infection is very common in any baby up to age 2, the risk of developing it is higher when the baby is born prematurely, has heart problems, has not been breastfed, or has siblings who attend schools and other densely populated places.
It is always important to consult your pediatrician if there are any changes in your baby’s health. However, the most urgent cases of bronchiolitis occur when the baby has difficulty breathing, has bluish skin on his feet and hands, does not eat, it is possible to notice the collapse of the muscles of the ribs when breathing or the fever does not subside after 3 days.