Bronchiolitis

What is bronchiolitis? | What are the symptoms? | How is it transmitted? | What is the recommended treatment? | What are the potential complications?

What is bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is a respiratory infection accompanied by inflammation and œdema in the tiny airways called bronchioles. This infection is usually caused by a virus known as RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

Bronchiolitis is frequently observed in newborns or babies not yet one year old. This infection is especially prevalent during the fall and winter.

What are the symptoms?

• The infant has trouble breathing
• Respiration is slow and wheezing
• Coughing, nasal discharge, sneezing, fever
• Loss of appetite and fatigue

How is it transmitted?

• Nasal discharge, colds or coryza
• Coughing and sneezing
• Unclean hands, soiled objects

What is the recommended treatment?

The treatment varies depending on the symptoms. The illness gradually resolves on its own over a period of 3 to 10 days. The following may be used:

• Acetaminophen (to alleviate the fever)
• Antibiotics
• Occasionally, bronchodilators in syrop or aerosol form
• Clapping on the thorax (if recommended by the physician) to clear the bronchial tubes.

What are the potential complications?

• Respiratory distress often requiring hospitalisation, especially among infants not yet 3 months old
• Bronchiolitis may cause asthma.

References:
Interactive server on air, respiration and lung disease Bronchiolite.net