What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in infants and young children. It happens when the smallest air passages in the lungs (bronchioles) become inflamed and clogged with mucus. This makes it harder for the child to breathe.
Bronchiolitis is usually caused by a virus. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause. Young children under age 2, particularly those between 3 months and 6 months old, get this illness most often. It peaks in winter and early spring.
Babies born prematurely are at a much higher risk of complications from RSV. There is a vaccine for RSV that is recommended for babies in this group.
The first signs of bronchiolitis look like the symptoms of a common cold. Your child may have a runny nose, cough, and a slight fever for a few days. After that, your child may begin to breathe fast and wheeze (make a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing).
Call your doctor if:
If your child’s lips or fingertips look bluish, he or she may not be getting enough oxygen. Seek medical care or go to the emergency room right away.
Bronchiolitis is caused by a virus. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause. The virus is spread when someone infected with the illness comes into direct contact with your child. This often happens when a sick person sneezes or coughs near your child. It can also happen when your child touches toys or other objects that a sick person had touched.
Your doctor will ask you about your child’s symptoms. He or she will examine your child and listen to their lungs. The doctor will check to see if your child is getting enough oxygen. They can get a sample of mucus or discharge from the nose and test it for RSV. They may also order a chest X-ray to check for pneumonia.
RSV and other viruses that lead to bronchiolitis are common and spread easily. Older children and adults get the viruses, too. But they usually don’t get as sick as younger children. The best way to prevent bronchiolitis is to keep your child from catching a virus.
If your child has bronchiolitis, keep them home until the cough is almost gone. Make sure to wash your hands after you take care of your sick child.
Bronchiolitis is caused by a virus. That means antibiotics and other medicines won’t help cure it. It usually takes 2-3 weeks for the illness to run its course. In the meantime, symptoms can usually be treated at home.
If your child is very sick, your doctor may suggest admiting him or her in the hospital. This could happen if he or she is working hard to breathe, isn’t getting enough oxygen, or is dehydrated. Your child can get extra oxygen and fluids in the hospital. Doctors can do deep suction on his or her airways to clear mucus from their lungs. Most children who are hospitalized for bronchiolitis go home in a few days.
In most cases, you can treat your child’s symptoms at home.