Care for a Child Who Has Bronchiolitis

From Tips and Steps

Bronchiolitis is the inflammation of the lung bronchioles. It is usually caused by a virus and mainly affects children between 3 and 6 months of age. Children up to the age of 2 may also develop bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis may be caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), adenovirus, Influenza or parainfluenza. The mortality rate is less than 1 percent.


Steps

Prevention

  1. Wash your hands.
  2. Keep sick people away from your child.
  3. Smoke cigarettes, cigars or pipes away from your child.
  4. Breastfeed your baby.
  5. Get good prenatal care to prevent birthing a premature baby.

Treatment

  1. Supportive therapy is usually given upon the advice of your doctor. Some of the treatments suggested may include using humid air, giving oxygen and clear fluids.
  2. Rest may also be encouraged for the sick baby.
  3. Hospitalized babies may receive breathing treatments to alleviate symptoms.


When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

  • Cyanosis (bluish skin, nails or lips)
  • Lethargy
  • Flared nostrils
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Retraction of the chest muscles to help with breathing
  • Sudden worsening of a cold

Prognosis

  1. Recovery usually takes place within a week.
  2. Breathing usually becomes less difficult by day three.
  3. Development of asthma has been reported in babies who had bronchiolitis.
  4. Development of pneumonia may occur.

Warnings

  • Always call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical care if there is respiratory distress.

Related Tips and Steps


Sources and Citations

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