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What is Bronchiolitis in Children?
Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection that affects the small airways in the lungs, known as bronchioles, in young children and infants. It is usually caused by a viral infection, most commonly the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). This condition primarily affects children under two years old, with the peak incidence occurring between three to six months of age. Bronchiolitis tends to be more severe during the winter months.
Symptoms of Bronchiolitis
The symptoms of bronchiolitis can range from mild to severe and typically begin with signs similar to a common cold. These symptoms may include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Coughing
- Slight fever (not always present)
- Wheezing sounds when breathing
- Difficulty feeding due to shortness of breath
As the infection progresses, the child may exhibit more severe symptoms such as:
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
- Retractions (sucking in of the skin around the ribs and neck while breathing)
- Flaring of the nostrils
- Episodes of stopping breathing (apnoea)
Warning Signs to Watch Out For
It is important to monitor the child closely and identify any warning signs that may indicate the need for medical attention. These warning signs include:
- Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, crying without tears, sunken eyes, or decreased urine output
- Persistent high fever
- Blue or grey skin colour, especially around the lips and fingernails, indicating a lack of oxygen
- Excessive fatigue or lethargy
- Continuous and severe wheezing or difficulty breathing
When to Seek Medical Help
While mild cases of bronchiolitis can often be managed at home with supportive care, it is crucial to seek medical help if the child exhibits any of the following:
- Severe breathing difficulties, such as rapid or laboured breathing
- Signs of dehydration or inability to retain fluids
- Symptoms that worsen or do not improve over time
- Unresponsiveness or extreme sleepiness
- Any concerns about the child's breathing or overall health
If you are in the United Kingdom, you can contact NHS 111 for advice or visit your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department in cases of severe symptoms. Additionally, consulting with your General Practitioner (GP) can help ensure that your child receives appropriate care and management for bronchiolitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in young children and infants, causing inflammation and congestion in the small airways (bronchioles) of the lung.
What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis in children?
Symptoms of bronchiolitis include a runny nose, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and sometimes a fever.
What causes bronchiolitis in children?
Bronchiolitis is usually caused by a virus, most commonly the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It can also be caused by other viruses, such as the flu or rhinovirus.
How is bronchiolitis diagnosed?
Bronchiolitis is typically diagnosed based on the child's symptoms and a physical examination. In some cases, doctors may use a chest x-ray or a swab of nasal fluid to confirm the diagnosis.
At what age do children commonly get bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis most commonly affects infants and children under the age of 2, with the majority of cases occurring in babies between 3 to 6 months old.
How is bronchiolitis treated?
Treatment for bronchiolitis primarily focuses on relieving symptoms. This may include ensuring the child stays hydrated, using a humidifier, and in some cases, administering medication to ease breathing difficulties.
Can bronchiolitis cause long-term damage?
Most children recover fully from bronchiolitis without long-term health issues. However, severe cases requiring intensive care may have a lasting impact on lung function.
When should I seek medical help for bronchiolitis?
You should seek medical help if your child has difficulty breathing, is breathing very quickly, has a bluish tint to their lips or skin, is lethargic, or if their symptoms worsen.
Is bronchiolitis contagious?
Yes, bronchiolitis is contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Can bronchiolitis be prevented?
Preventing bronchiolitis involves good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and keeping surfaces clean. In some cases, doctors may recommend immunoprophylaxis for high-risk infants.
How long does bronchiolitis typically last?
Bronchiolitis usually lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, with most children beginning to feel better after 3 to 5 days. However, the cough may persist for a few weeks.
Are there any complications associated with bronchiolitis?
Complications from bronchiolitis can include dehydration, low oxygen levels (hypoxia), and in severe cases, respiratory failure. Hospitalisation may be necessary for severe cases.
Is bronchiolitis the same as bronchitis?
No, bronchiolitis and bronchitis are different conditions. Bronchiolitis affects the small airways (bronchioles) in the lungs, while bronchitis affects the larger airways (bronchi).
Can bronchiolitis reoccur?
Yes, it's possible for a child to get bronchiolitis more than once, especially if they are exposed to the virus again or if they have chronic respiratory conditions.
What are the risk factors for developing bronchiolitis?
Risk factors include being under 6 months old, being born prematurely, having a weakened immune system or chronic lung conditions, and being exposed to tobacco smoke.
Useful Links
Useful links from: What is RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) or bronchiolitis? UHL NHS Trust
- NHS - Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) The NHS page provides comprehensive information about RSV, including symptoms, causes, treatments, and when to get medical advice.
- NHS - Bronchiolitis This NHS page details bronchiolitis, an infection common in babies and young children, covering symptoms, treatments, and prevention tips.
- Asthma + Lung UK - RSV Asthma + Lung UK provides an overview of RSV, how it affects children with asthma and lung conditions, including advice on managing the infection.
- British Lung Foundation - Bronchiolitis The British Lung Foundation offers information about bronchiolitis, its symptoms, risk factors, treatments, and support for parents and carers.
Useful links from: Bronchiolitis Advice
- NHS - Bronchiolitis NHS provides comprehensive information on Bronchiolitis, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment for parents and caregivers.
- British Lung Foundation - Bronchiolitis British Lung Foundation offers support and detailed advice for dealing with Bronchiolitis, focusing on understanding the condition, its impact, and available treatments.
- Patient.Info - Bronchiolitis Patient.Info provides an easy-to-understand guide on Bronchiolitis, focusing on symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and recommended treatments for children.
- Great Ormond Street Hospital - Bronchiolitis Great Ormond Street Hospital offers valuable information on Bronchiolitis, detailing symptoms, how it's monitored, and the care provided in a hospital setting.
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