CONDITIONS
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is an infection of the lungs as a result of various viruses. Viruses affect the small bronchiole (breathing) tubes, causing these tiny passageways to swell and obstruct the flow of air, making it even more challenging for children to breathe. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the main culprits for bronchiolitis in babies and young children between the South African winter months of June to August.
What are the causes?
RSV incubates surfaces for hours. Children can easily spread this virus through air droplets present in mucous, saliva and sputum.
How do children get bronchiolitis?
Children who come into contact with RSV can transmit it to others between the third and eighth day of being infected.
What are the symptoms?
- Stuffy and/or runny nose
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Mild fever
What does a diagnosis entail?
An accurate diagnosis entails using a stethoscope to listen for abnormal breath sounds. An additional chest x-ray will determine whether bronchiolitis has developed into pneumonia. A swab test may identify the virus causing bronchiolitis.
How do you treat bronchiolitis?
The symptoms of bronchiolitis persevere for two or three weeks at most but a cough can last for a month at times. Unfortunately, because bronchiolitis occurs as a result of a virus, no antibiotic will work against it. Antibiotics only work when the child develops a secondary bacterial chest infection. Symptoms of bronchiolitis reach their peak after the second day of acquiring the infection and subside after ten days. Most of the time, it’s challenging to tell the difference between asthma and bronchiolitis because the symptoms are so similar.
Other treatments for more severe signs of bronchiolitis include nebuliser therapy, and the child may require an intravenous drip for fluid loss.
What is the result?
With treatment, the symptoms of bronchiolitis subside. The only long-term effect is a cough which can persist for a month.
What does prevention for bronchiolitis entail?
Regular handwashing with an alcohol-based gel prevents the risk of contamination. Good hygiene practices prevent the spread of bronchiolitis. Keep children away from anyone infected with bronchiolitis in your household. Ensure toys and surfaces are clean.
Takeaway
Bronchiolitis is a severe infection of the lungs caused by a virus, more commonly, RSV. Symptoms of bronchiolitis are a dry cough, wheezing, irritability in infants, and a runny or stuffy nose. Treatment for bronchiolitis includes nebulisation, an intravenous drip in severe cases.
Disclaimer
This information is for educative purposes only and is meant to be read by parents after their child has seen their medical practitioner.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?
Rapid breathing (over 50 breaths per minute)
Difficulty breathing
Fast Breathing
Wheezing
Nasal Flaring
Indrawing neck, Ribs and Chest Area
Vomiting +Inability to drink fluids
Lethargic
Irritability (infants)
Dry nappy for hours
For these warning signs, seek urgent medical attention.
DO NOT DELAY CARE
PRACTICE INFO
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What is a paediatrician?
A paediatrician is a doctor who has specialised in medical care for children from birth to their teenage years. Paediatricians diagnose and manage both acute and chronic conditions in children, ranging from allergies, infections and injuries to behavioural and learning problems.