A quick run through bronchiolitis for parents, by Dr Yiannis Ioannou, Consultant Paediatrician.
Bronchiolitis season is in full swing and I have seen so many cases in my clinic and in hospital these past few weeks, I thought time for a quick summary.
What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a viral infection affecting the lower respiratory track of infants and young children usually under 2 years of age. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the commonest virus that causes bronchiolitis, although most respiratory viruses can cause the same symptoms. It is much commoner in winter months, although can occur at any time of year.
Does my baby or child have bronchiolitis?
Early symptoms are very similar to a cold, and include cough, fever, and a blocked or runny nose. Breathing difficulty may develop over the course of a few days. Nasal congestion and breathing difficulty frequently lead to reduced feeding and fewer wet nappies, especially in younger infants. In most cases, symptoms are usually worse between the third and fifth day. Symptoms are usually mild, and the cough may last for two to three weeks or even longer without treatment being needed. Hospital treatment may be needed if symptoms are more severe.
What to do if my baby has bronchiolitis?
If your baby has mild symptoms and is showing signs of recovering, your baby can be looked after at home. Offer smaller and more frequent feeds to keep up hydration and saline nasal drops can be used to ease nasal congestion. However when symptoms persist, are severe, or if you are worried about your baby, you should always have your baby or child checked by a doctor, call 111 for advice or 999 in an emergency.
When to see a doctor?
Less frequent wet nappies indicate dehydration and if your baby has not had a wet nappy for more than 12 hours your baby is likely to need some support with feeding. A high temperature, lethargy, rapid or laboured breathing are all signs that need more urgent assessment. Very young infants, infants born prematurely, or those with pre-existing conditions such as heart or respiratory problems are often more severely affected and an earlier medical assessment is recommended.
You should call 999 or go to your nearest accident and emergency department if; your baby displays symptoms such as; severe breathing difficulty with very rapid of shallow breathing; pauses in breathing; skin turning blue or pale in colour; you are unable to wake up your baby or keep them awake.
Fortunately, most infants and children are not so severely affected and make a complete recovery.
I hope you find this useful,
Dr Yiannis Ioannou
Consultant Paediatrician
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