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- Asthma
- Bronchiolitis
- Chickenpox
- Colic
- Common Cold
- Constipation
- Cough
- Croup
- Diaper Rash
- Diarrhea
- Ear Infections
- Eye Infections
- Fever in Children
- Fifth Disease
- Fluoride
- Head Injuries
- Head Lice
- Immunizations
- Lead Poisonings
- Lyme Disease
- Nosebleeds
- Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac
- Poisonings
- Scabies
- Sensitive Skin or Eczema
- Sore Throat/Strep Throat
- Thrush
- Vomiting
Caring for Children: Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is an infection of the small airways in the lungs called bronchioles. It occurs primarily in infants and toddlers, and is caused by a virus. The most common virus that causes this condition is the respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. Others include parainfluenza, influenza, measles and adenovirus. RSV infection most often occurs from October through March. RSV is spread by contact with secretions from an infected person. Careful hand washing can help prevent its spread.
Bronchiolitis infection causes inflammation and swelling of the smaller airways. Adults and children who are infected with RSV may only have cold symptoms. Infants are more likely to have bronchiolitis because their airways are smaller.
Infants with bronchiolitis first have signs of an upper respiratory infection, or cold: runny nose, cough and fever. After a few days, the cough may worsen; breathing becomes more rapid and more difficult. Wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound may be heard with breathing. Extra muscles may be used with breathing, such as the nostrils and the muscles between or under the ribs. Infants may not take fluids well if they are working hard to breathe, and some may become dehydrated (dry mouth, less than normal fluids, no tears with crying, urinating less). Some infants with bronchiolitis may also develop an ear infection.
Home treatment for infants with bronchiolitis includes relieving the nasal stuffiness with a humidifier, a nasal suction bulb, or saline nasal drops. Encouraging fluid intake can prevent dehydration.
If your infant shows signs of breathing difficulty or dehydration, contact your pediatrician right away. A bronchodilating medication (that opens up the airways) may be tried. A small number of infants with bronchiolitis need to be hospitalized, either for breathing problems or dehydration.
