Bronchiolitis is one of the viral infection that affects lungs. This is often observed in young children, especially in toddlers and in infants. In most cases, this is not a life threatening condition or a serious problem. Symptoms of the disease make parents scary, particularly parents having infants. Parents do not want their child to suffer from breathing or hearing them gasping or wheezing for air.
An infant suffering from bronchiolitis have swollen bronchioles and make difficulty in breathing. Bronchioles are small tubes in lower respiratory tract. This often follows common cold. This condition is noticed in children between the 3 – 6 months.
Symptoms of Bronchiolitis in Infants:
Symptoms of bronchiolitis in infants include:
- Increase in heart rate
- Sleeping difficulties
- Shallow and fast breathing
- Unusual crankiness
- Nostrils flare during breathing
- Extreme movement of chest and neck while breathing
In some cases, infants does not want to eat while suffering from bronchiolitis and they might throw away the food during persistent cough. Actually, babies stop breathing for a while during the condition and is called apnea.
Risks of Bronchiolitis in Infants:
In most cases, bronchiolitis do not cause long term damage. Parents must ensure that their child is breathing properly and is getting enough air. Medical attention is required, if the child turns blue.
Dehydration is a risk for infants those who are not taking proper diet and also coughing persistently. Parents should ensure that their kids are having frequent crying tears and wet diapers. Dehydration requires IV fluids, if the condition is serious.
Treatment for Bronchiolitis in Infants:
Unfortunately, in many cases, babies suffering from bronchiolitis are sent home to ride out signs and symptoms of condition. Antibiotics are not effective on the virus and are useless for virus based condition. In serious cases, inhalers are prescribed to clear the blocked passages. Infant Tylenol is prescribed by the doctors to reduce pain and discomfort of the condition.
Saline drops and suctioning the nose are useful in some cases. Children facing problems while lying on back must be propped up.
Pediatrician must be consulted immediately after noticing the symptoms of bronchiolitis to prevent the serious conditions like pneumonia. Many infants recover in a couple of weeks. In rare cases, babies are hospitalized.
