What is Bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection that affects the smallest airways (bronchioles) in the lungs. It primarily affects infants and young children under 2 years of age, with peak occurrence between 3-6 months.
Causes
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Primary cause: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
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Other viruses:
- Rhinovirus
- Adenovirus
- Human metapneumovirus
Common Symptoms
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Mild cough
- Fever (usually low-grade)
- Rapid breathing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty feeding
- Retractions (chest pulling in during breathing)
Risk Factors
- Age under 12 months
- Premature birth
- Not being breastfed
- Exposure to tobacco smoke
- Crowded living conditions
- Underlying heart or lung conditions
Diagnosis
- Clinical examination
- Medical history
- Chest examination
- Oxygen saturation monitoring
- Sometimes chest X-rays in severe cases
Treatment Options
At Home
- Nasal suctioning
- Hydration maintenance
- Humidified air
- Position changes
Medical Interventions
- Oxygen therapy if needed
- Sometimes nebulizer treatments
- Hospital admission for severe cases
Prevention
- Hand washing
- Avoiding contact with sick people
- Breastfeeding when possible
- Keeping infants away from tobacco smoke
When to Seek Medical Care
- Difficulty breathing
- Poor feeding
- Lethargy
- Blue tinge to lips or fingernails
- Severe coughing spells
Recovery and Outlook
- Most cases improve within 2-3 weeks
- Cough may persist for several weeks
- Full recovery expected in most cases