How do you treat bronchiolitis in children? What causes bronchiolitis in children? How long does it take for bronchiolitis to go away?
Does your child have difficulty breathing? Are you noticing a whistling sound each time he breathes out? Has this been going on for more than five days? You better bring him in for a checkup because he may be suffering from bronchiolitis, an acute throat infection that commonly affects children below the age of two and can lead to partial or complete blockage of airways.
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Bronchiolitis in Baby: One Mum’s Warning
In 2017, mum Beth Foster addressed fellow parents of babies and small children, warning them against bronchiolitis, a condition that’s dangerous but easily missed.
She recalled how her daughter Myah, who was one month old at that time, struggled to breathe and fought for her life in the hospital because of what seemed like a simple cough and cold. When Beth brought her baby to the hospital, that’s when she learned of the serious condition that can affect a lot of small babies.
Bronchiolitis in children is a viral lung infection that causes the smallest air passages of the lungs (bronchioles) to swell or become inflamed and congested. It can be managed and treated, but in some cases, this condition can cause complications and respiratory failure.
Because of her experience, Foster urges parents to always have their babies checked even if they just have a simple cold or cough.
“There is nothing more heartbreaking,” she wrote. “Even if your baby has a slight cough or cold, just get checked out. Please spread awareness as before all this we didn’t even know what bronchiolitis was.”
Bronchiolitis in Children
Bronchiolitis is a virus-born illness wherein Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) or rhinovirus causes a severe form of lower respiratory tract infection.
This virus essentially inflames the bronchioles (a passageway of air connecting the mouth and nose to the lungs), leading to partial or complete blockage of airways, and is often characterised by wheezing (that whistling sound while breathing out). And because less oxygen enters the child’s lungs, blood levels in the body also decrease.
In many cases, hospitalisation can ensure the child consumes adequate fluids and is able to breathe without difficulty. Many children are also able to get better after a week of treatment.
Unfortunately, in some cases, bronchiolitis in kids can become fatal. Bronchiolitis in babies is more severe, and infants and newborns may find it difficult to fight this viral infection since their immune systems are not yet properly built. Thus, it is crucial for parents to learn more about this illness, its symptoms as well as its treatments.
What Causes Bronchiolitis in Children?
As mentioned, bronchiolitis in kids is caused by a virus and breaks out seasonally in different hemispheres.
For instance, in the Northern hemisphere, Bronchiolitis outbreaks are usually seen between November and April, peaking around January and February. While in the Southern hemisphere it may break, this wintertime illness may occur anytime between May and September.
And, in tropical countries such as Singapore, bronchiolitis is mostly seen during the monsoon season.
While bronchiolitis is more common in children below the age of two, it can also occur in older kids.
Typically, they do not develop bronchiolitis, but they may still have RSV in their bodies and may exhibit some symptoms such as wheezing and coughing. But these are not the only symptoms to watch out for.
Unfortunately, just as any viral infection Bronchiolitis is also contagious and it can risk other infants
Bronchiolitis vs. Bronchitis
What is the difference between bronchitis and bronchiolitis?
According to the Cleveland Clinic website, these two conditions not only sound similar, but they are similar in some ways. First, both of these infections can be caused by a virus. While both diseases affect the airways in the lungs, bronchitis affects the larger airways (the bronchi) and bronchiolitis affects the smaller airways (bronchioles).
Bronchitis is more common among older children and adults, while bronchiolitis is usually seen in babies and younger children.
What Are the Symptoms of Bronchiolitis in Kids?
The Bronchiolitis infection breaks out towards the far end of a common cold. So you may notice the following initial symptoms:
- Mild cough
- Runny nose or decongestion
- Fever higher than 100.4°F (38 degrees C)
- Loss of appetite
As the infection progresses over the week and the lower respiratory tract gets inflamed, a child may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Apnea (pause of 15 seconds in breathing, most common in preemies and infants)
- Wheezing, which can last up to a week as well
- Fast breathing, 60 to 70 times per minute and with great difficulty
- Signs of dehydration due to rapid breathing
- Severe cough that lasts up to two weeks
- Retractions, which is sucking in of the base of the lungs as well as the throat to breathe
- Nasal flaring, which is the enlargement of nostrils in order to breathe properly
- Grunting, making a sound while trying to breathe
Soon after the infant exhibits the aforesaid symptoms, as the infection progresses, you may also notice very low oxygen levels (hypoxia) and in severe cases, the skin takes on a blue colour (cyanosis). Both these symptoms require urgent medical attention.
Unfortunately, just like any viral infection Bronchiolitis is also contagious and it can risk other infants.
The RSV and rhinovirus (also responsible for Bronchiolitis in some cases) can get transmitted through droplets. In fact, these can easily be exhaled into the air while coughing, sneezing, and even breathing. So, adults who may have this virus must stay away from infants as their immunities are low.
Similarly, an infant who has Bronchiolitis must be kept away from other babies and infants younger than three months who are not infected; especially from those who have lung issues or even heart diseases.
This, as a precaution, must be followed till the baby is cured completely.
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What Are the Risks of Bronchiolitis in Children?
Unfortunately, it is these infants (younger than three months) who are at greatest risk when infected by Bronchiolitis. Since their immune systems are not fully developed, their bodies do not have the capacity to fight off this viral infection.
But infants may also run into the risk of developing Bronchiolitis due to the following:
- Premature birth
- Siblings who may be suffering from Bronchiolitis
- Living in a crowded, unhygienic environment
- Constant exposure to (tobacco) smoke
- Never having been breastfed
In case of severe bronchiolitis in kids, they may be put on a ventilator and that does the breathing for him/her
How to Diagnose Bronchiolitis in Kids
Bronchiolitis in kids is usually diagnosed by a physical exam. While a child may not have to go through routine blood tests or x-rays, certain tests can identify the underlying cause of Bronchiolitis in kids. This is done based on the level of the illness and the age of the child.
These tests include:
- White blood cell count
- Pulse oximetry
- Urine analysis
- Blood cultures
- C-reactive protein test
Meanwhile, you can work on its further spread at home by following a few preventive measures.
How to Prevent Bronchiolitis in Children
Since the viruses are airborne and can spread from one person to another, make sure to keep yourself clean and always sanitise your hands before touching a baby. Those who are infected must not touch an infant’s mouth, eyes and nose.
If possible, you can also wear a face mask and prevent the further spread of the infection. You can also try the following ways:
- Limit your baby’s contact with those who already have a cough or cold
- Keep your house clean and disinfected
- Use your own drinking glass
- Use a face mask even at home
- Wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand cleanser
- Breastfeed your baby to boost his immunity
As far as vaccinations are concerned, make sure you speak with your healthcare provider about the symptoms and get a proper diagnosis.
Bronchiolitis Treatment in Children
While there are no specific vaccines for Bronchiolitis in kids, infants less than six months of age may be given an annual flu shot. In severe cases, infants who run a higher risk of Bronchiolitis may be given palivizumab (Synagis) to decrease the risk of RSV or rhinovirus.
Those hospitalised in extremely critical conditions may be given a nasal cannula to supplement oxygen. Some infants are also given an oxygen box and tested periodically to for blood oxygen levels. Some may also be put on a ventilator and that does the breathing for the child.
Image source: iStock
The important thing to remember is that since Bronchiolitis in kids is caused by a virus, keep your kids clean and away from places that are unclean and unhygienic. If you notice the symptoms of bronchiolitis in your child, or even just a cough that won’t go away in five days, don’t hesitate to contact their paediatrician.
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.