Bronchiolitis

August 31, 2008

photo by CrisBP

Bronchiolitis is an infection caused by the viruses that affect the small breathing airways.  This is a very common infection in young children especially infants.

The illness starts with a common cold and then progress to cough and breathlessness.  Children with bronchiolitis are usually sick for about a week and then recover gradually.  However, the cough itself might linger for a while more.

When your baby has bronchiolitis, you must ensure that fever is relieve and your baby rests well and feeds well.  You might need to bring your baby to the pediatrician when your baby:

1. seems to have increasing difficulties with breathing
2. is unable to sleep well
3. is very lethargic
4. is not feeding well
5. lips are dry and have not wet the diapers for at least 6 hours
6. is irritable
7. has pale or greyish skin colour (a very late sign!)

Common and effective treatment for bronchiolitis is normally the nebuliser treatment.  However if your child is breathless or feeding poorly, he may be require to be admit to hospital for further treatment which include using oxygen, nebulised treatment, feeding by drip or other medications.

When your child is recuperating, be sure to:

1. Use medications prescribed by your doctor
2. Avoid his exposure to smoke
3. Lay your child on his side so as to aid him breathe with ease
4. Seek medical attention again if symptoms persist after a week
5. Keep the review appointment given by the pediatrician

Posted in Baby Health