Bronchiolitis is here 

What is bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is swelling inside the lower airways of the lungs. An infection causes increased congestion in the airways. The responsible virus is most commonly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). However, other viruses such as adenovirus, parainfluenza and influenza also may cause the infection. Bronchiolitis usually occurs in infants and young children. Although bronchiolitis symptoms are similar to those of asthma, they are not the same thing.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of bronchiolitis are very similar to cold symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, wheezing, sneezing, poor eating or sleeping, fussiness, tiredness and a low-grade fever. If your child's condition worsens, he or she will begin to breathe faster. The chest pulls in with each breath (retraction) and you can hear a wheezy cough.

How is it diagnosed?

Many times a physician can diagnose bronchiolitis simply based on the age of your child and the symptoms he or she experiences. Sometimes after a physical exam, the health care professional will order a chest X-ray, blood tests, nasal sample or oxygen test.

How is it treated?

Most children with bronchiolitis are treated at home. Your child will need extra fluids, rest and lots of humidity. Antibiotics are not used because this is a viral infection. If you do not have a vaporizer, you can use your shower to make steam and add humidity to your home. The moist air will help your child breathe. Have your child stay in the bathroom for 20 to 30 minutes. Never leave your young child alone in the bathroom.

Feed babies small amounts of formula, approximately one to two ounces every half-hour, to prevent vomiting while coughing. Infants with stuffy noses do not suck well from a bottle. Take the bottle out of your infant's mouth often to allow your infant to breathe through his or her nose. If you are breastfeeding, try shorter, more frequent feedings. Saline nose drops also can be helpful.

Also remember to practice good hand washing techniques before and after caring for your child. The virus can spread easily among family members. The symptoms should improve in a few days. Sometimes children who develop bronchiolitis or have a family history of asthma also may develop asthma during childhood.

When should I call the doctor?

If your child is:

• Breathing very fast or has trouble taking breaths.
• Refusing to drink liquids or has trouble feeding.
• Vomits everything eaten in the past 24 hours.
• Is less than 6 weeks old and has a rectal temperature greater than 100.4 F (38 C).
• Is younger than 1 year and has not had a wet diaper for 8 hours, has sunken eyes or has no tears when crying.
• Is older than 1 year and has not produced urine for 12 hours.

You should call 911 or take your child to the emergency room immediately if:

• Your child has blue nails or lips.
• Your child is breathing very fast and hard.