Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is swelling and mucus buildup in the smallest air passages in the lungs (bronchioles). It is usually due to a viral infection.

Causes

Bronchiolitis usually affects children under the age of 2, with a peak age of 3 to 6 months. It is a common, and sometimes severe illness. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause. More than half of all infants are exposed to this virus by their first birthday.

Respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common virus that leads to mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older healthy children. It can be more...

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Other viruses that can cause bronchiolitis include:

• Adenovirus
• Influenza

  Influenza

  The flu is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads easily. This article discusses influenza types A and B. Another type of the flu ...

  

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• Parainfluenza

  Parainfluenza

  Parainfluenza refers to a group of viruses that lead to upper and lower respiratory infections.

   

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The virus is spread to infants by coming into direct contact with nose and throat fluids of someone who has the illness. This can happen when another child or an adult who has a virus:

• Sneezes or coughs nearby and tiny droplets in the air are then breathed in by the infant
• Touches toys or other objects that are then touched by the infant

Bronchiolitis occurs more often in the fall and winter than other times of the year. It is a very common reason for infants to be hospitalized during winter and early spring.

Risk factors of bronchiolitis include:

• Being around cigarette smoke
• Being younger than 6 months old
• Living in crowded conditions
• Not being breastfed
• Being born before 37 weeks of pregnancy

Symptoms

Some children have few or mild symptoms.

Bronchiolitis begins as a mild upper respiratory infection. Within 2 to 3 days, the child develops more breathing problems, including wheezing and a cough.

Symptoms include:

• Bluish skin due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis) - emergency treatment is needed

  Bluish skin

  Cyanosis is a bluish color to the skin or mucous membrane that is usually due to a lack of oxygen in the blood.

  

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• Breathing difficulty including wheezing and shortness of breath
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Muscles around the ribs sink in as the child tries to breathe in (called intercostal retractions )

  Intercostal retractions

  Intercostal retractions occur when the muscles between the ribs pull inward. The movement is most often a sign that the person has a breathing probl...

   

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• Infant's nostrils get wide when breathing
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea)

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam.  Wheezing and crackling sounds may be heard through the stethoscope.

Wheezing

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when air moves through narrowed breathing tubes in the lungs.

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Tests that may be done include:

• Blood gases

  Blood gases

  Blood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood.  They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.

  

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• Chest x-ray

  Chest x-ray

  A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.

  

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• Culture of a sample of nasal fluid to determine the virus causing the disease

Treatment

The main focus of treatment is to relieve symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and wheezing.

Antibiotics do not work against viral infections. Medicines that treat viruses may be used to treat very ill children.

At home, measures to relieve symptoms  can be used. Have your child:

At home, measures to relieve symptoms

RSV bronchiolitis - discharge; Respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis - discharge

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• Drink plenty of fluids. Breast milk or formula  is fine for children younger than 12 months. Electrolyte drinks, such as Pedialyte, are also OK for infants.
• Breathe moist (wet) air to help loosen sticky mucus. Use a humidifier to moisten the air.
• Get plenty of rest.

Do not allow anyone to smoke in the house, car, or anywhere near your child. Children who are having trouble breathing may need to stay in the hospital. There, treatment may include oxygen therapy and fluids given through a vein (IV).

Outlook (Prognosis)

Breathing often gets better by the third day and symptoms mostly clear within a week. In rare cases, pneumonia or more severe breathing problems develop.

Some children may have problems with wheezing or asthma as they get older.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider right away or go to the emergency room if your child:

• Becomes extremely tired
• Has bluish color in the skin, nails, or lips
• Starts breathing very fast
• Has a cold that suddenly worsens
• Has difficulty breathing
• Has nostril flarings or chest retractions when trying to breathe

  Chest retractions

  Intercostal retractions occur when the muscles between the ribs pull inward. The movement is most often a sign that the person has a breathing probl...

   

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Prevention

Most cases of bronchiolitis cannot be prevented because the viruses that cause the infection are common in the environment. Careful hand washing, especially around infants, can help prevent the spread of viruses.

A medicine called palivizumab (Synagis) that boosts the immune system may be recommended for certain children. Your child's doctor will let you know if this medicine is right for your child.