What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is an acute respiratory viral infection of the lower airways that makes it difficult for air to enter the lungs.
This infection occurs most often in the first 2 years of life, and affects the thinner airways (bronchioles) which can become obstructed and make it difficult for the baby to breathe.
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for more than 75% of cases and there is a higher incidence in the months of November to April.
What are the main symptoms?
The usual symptoms of bronchiolitis are:
- nasal obstruction
- runny nose
- cough with progressive worsening that can trigger vomiting
- fever
- difficulty in feeding and fluid intake
- noisy and rapid breathing
- respiratory effort
- tiredness
What is the cause of this infection?
Bronchiolitis is caused by viruses that infect the cells of the smaller bronchial tubes, causing inflammation and symptoms.
How is it transmitted?
Like most viral infections, bronchiolitis is spread through contact with contaminated respiratory secretions.
How can I prevent this infection?
Most acute bronchiolitis is mild and does not require specific treatment. Some helpful measures that can be followed at home include:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Avoid places with a lot of people
- Do not smoke or let people around you smoke around your baby
Is bronchiolitis contagious?
Yes, bronchiolitis is very contagious. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected nasal secretions, cough or contaminated hands.
It usually arises when there is a family member or close person with a respiratory infection. Older children and adults may be infected with mild symptoms and transmit the disease in subtle ways.
Reinfection is possible, so you should avoid enclosed spaces with a lot of people.
What is the period of evolution of the disease?
The period of illness is on average 3 to 7 days. However, the cough may persist for the following days or weeks.
What are the most susceptible ages of severe disease?
Babies who are premature or under the age of 12 weeks or with other diseases (chronic lung disease, heart disease, severe neurological disease or immunodeficiency) are more susceptible to severe disease and therefore have a higher rate of hospitalization and need for intensive care. Exposure to smoke and tobacco also increases the risk of infection and severe disease.
Can bronchiolitis lead to chronic problems?
After the disease, the baby may have some coughing or wheezing, which can become prolonged and recurrent, especially each time he has a new respiratory infection. However, as time goes on, the symptoms will eventually disappear.
What is the recommended treatment?
Bronchiolitis has no specific treatment and antibiotics are not indicated. However, it is recommended that you take the following care of the baby:
- Fractionate the feed
- Control Fever
- Regularly monitor your breathing
- Keep your nose clean
- Elevate the headboard a little
- Increase rest time
When should I go to the health services?
You should contact SNS 24 (808 24 24 24) when your baby has the following symptoms:
- worsening of difficulty breathing, as well as the level of tiredness and irritation
- eating less than half the usual amount of food in two or more meals
- vomiting regularly and in large quantities
- refusing food or liquids for more than 4 or 6 hours
- urinating little and having a dry diaper for a period of more than 12 hours