Bronchiolitis -- Essential Facts
What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is an infection of the small air passages of the lungs, usually caused by a virus. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is the most common cause.
Bronchiolitis is a common illness in babies and young children. It usually occurs during winter and early spring.
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How can I help prevent bronchiolitis in my child?
- Keep the baby away from places where there are a lot of sick kids, such as day care centers.
- Check with your doctor if your infant was born prematurely (less than 35 weeks). Your baby is at higher risk and may need medicine to help prevent the infection.
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What are the signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis?
- Bronchiolitis usually starts as a cold with fever, runny nose, stuffiness and poor appetite.
- After a few days, the baby may start wheezing, have trouble breathing or breathe fast.
- More severe symptoms include having bluish skin and/or using the stomach muscles to help breathe.
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How is bronchiolitis treated?
- Since bronchiolitis is caused by a virus, babies generally get better without any treatment.
- In some cases the baby may need to be admitted to the hospital.
- The best thing to do is make the baby as comfortable as possible.
- Encourage drinking. Some babies need smaller feedings more often.
- Humidifying the air may help.
- It has been proven that antibiotics do not help.
- Medicines that a baby breathes into the lungs are sometimes tried but usually are not helpful.
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Call your child's doctor:
- Whenever you have questions or concerns about caring for your child.
- If your child's symptoms get worse.
- If your child is not drinking enough (less than half of normal or making less than two wet diapers per day).
- If your child is at high risk (premature, heart or lung disease, nervous system disease).
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Go to the Emergency Department if:
- Your child has a bluish color.
- Your child is very sleepy all the time.
- Your child's breathing is fast and shallow (more than 70 breaths per minute).
- Your child is using his/her stomach muscles to help breathe. When the baby breathes, his/her ribs suck in and his/her nose flares.
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Related Topics
Bronchiolitis
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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