What is bronchiolitis?
It is an inflammation of the bronchioles, usually caused by an acute viral infection. It is the most common disease in the lower respiratory tract in children under 2 years of age .
During this condition, the small airways in the lungs become inflamed, leading to mucus production, inflammation, and death of the lining cells in these airways. This can obstruct the breathing passages and cause wheezing.
The disease can also make it difficult to eat, leading to frequent visits to the doctor and even hospitalization, and is one of the main reasons for hospitalization of children under 2 years of age, especially during the winter periods.
What virus causes bronchiolitis?
Generally, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the causative agent — a non-segmented, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family .
Does bronchiolitis only affect babies?
No. Although the disease is most common in babies and young children, it can also affect people of other age groups .
However, in adults, small airway infection, which characterizes bronchiolitis, appears to be less frequent and is usually associated with other comorbidities.
What causes bronchiolitis?
In addition to RSV, other viruses that can cause this condition include adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, influenza, and parainfluenza. In some areas, outbreaks of bronchiolitis caused by RSV occur during the winter and spring.
There are risk factors that increase the likelihood of contracting bronchiolitis. They are:
- premature birth;
- chronic lung disease;
- complicated congenital heart disease;
- immunodeficiency;
- age less than 3 months;
- other underlying chronic diseases.
In addition to viruses, allergens such as cockroaches, dust mites, and cat and dog dander can also trigger this condition in babies. Studies also suggest that exposure to maternal smoking is associated with the severity of the problem, and may increase the risk of hospitalization .
What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis in babies?
Due to the obstruction of the airways and the decrease in lung capacity that occur during the infection, symptoms bronchiolitis such as runny nose, nasal congestion , loss of appetite and coughing may appear, which can last for about 3 days. As the condition progresses, the child may develop rapid breathing (tachypnea) and wheezing.
In advanced stages, more serious signs may appear , such as widening of the nostrils, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen), shortness of breath and even respiratory failure. Therefore, it is crucial to closely monitor children, especially babies, with this disease.
Fever is another possible symptom. When it is present, urine tests may be considered to rule out urinary tract infections — which tend to occur simultaneously in 5% to 10% of cases .
How to get diagnosed?
The diagnosis of bronchiolitis is primarily clinical. It is made through a thorough evaluation of the patient’s clinical history and the signs and symptoms presented.
Blood tests and imaging are only necessary to rule out other causes that may be causing similar symptoms bronchiolitis. Most of the time, clinical evaluation alone is sufficient.
In some cases, X-rays are also useful to check for complications of the disease, such as pneumonia.
What is the recommended treatment?
In children, the condition is symptomatic, so medications are prescribed to relieve symptoms. Careful evaluation for adequate hydration, breathing difficulties, and oxygenation is essential. No specific medication treats this infection.
For mild to moderate symptoms, use interventions such as nasal saline solution, antipyretics to reduce fever, and an air humidifier.
Children with severe symptoms, such as acute respiratory distress, signs of lack of oxygen, or dehydration, require hospitalization and monitoring.”
Keeping the child well hydrated is essential, especially when there is difficulty in feeding. Oxygen therapy to maintain saturation slightly above 90% is sufficient.
What are the ways to prevent bronchiolitis in babies?
To prevent bronchiolitis in babies, the main strategy is passive immunization . This involves the transfer of antibodies from the mother to the baby during pregnancy
“Immunizing the mother through vaccines allows her to pass protective antibodies to her baby, offering some protection against viruses like RSV.
Researchers are currently developing vaccines that can protect infants against RSV by immunizing mothers during pregnancy. However, these vaccines remain under study.
Additionally, healthcare providers can administer a monoclonal antibody drug approved for preventive use against RSV in infants at high risk of developing the disease. Monthly injections during RSV season provide this protection.”
. Its important to strictly follow the dosing schedule to ensure the effectiveness of the drug.
It is also essential to avoid the baby’s contact with cigarette smoke and other substances that irritate the lungs, as these factors can increase the risk of developing bronchiolitis.
It is always advisable to follow your doctor’s instructions and maintain regular follow-up appointments to ensure your baby’s health and well-being.
How important is nasal cleaning in this scenario?
Nasal cleaning in babies is important because nasal symptoms have a major impact on children’s quality of life, especially in the first months of life.
Since breathing in this age group is primarily nasal, the inability to clear secretions can increase respiratory effort , leading to sleep disturbances, increased risk of obstructive apnea, and feeding difficulties.
Nasal cleansing is a non-pharmacological measure used to alleviate these symptoms, especially during acute respiratory infections, acute sinusitis and allergic rhinitis.
Although some caregivers have questions about how to properly perform nasal cleansing and there is a lack of consensus on the ideal protocol, studies show that nasal irrigation can help speed the resolution of nasal symptoms during episodes of acute illness.
It helps to alleviate symptoms, improve breathing , reduce medication consumption and prevent complications.
Nasal cleansing is a safe technique and, when done correctly, offers significant benefits, making it an important recommendation to improve respiratory comfort in children, especially during episodes of acute respiratory illness.
It is essential that health professionals and parents/caregivers are instructed on how to properly perform nasal cleaning to ensure its benefits. Therefore, ask your child’s doctor any questions you may have!
How to clean your nose?
This practice is quite simple, but it can be a little uncomfortable at first. So take it easy and respect your limits.
The step by step is:
- lean your body slightly forward to make it easier for the solution to drain into the sink;
- fit the device well into the nostril, avoiding inserting it too deeply and ensuring that the product is not eliminated due to poor fitting;
- open your mouth and start breathing through it;
- apply gentle pressure when introducing the solution;
- If you feel discomfort while cleaning your nose, stop immediately, breathe, and try again.
-
What device are available for cleaning?
In general, cleaning can be done in several ways, including using “bottles” (also known as “neti”) or disposable syringes. The safest way, however, is using sprays designed exclusively for this purpose. This is because they have positive pressure, with low pressure and high volume.
They release jets comfortably and are suitable for people of all ages, including babies.
Furthermore, sprays with a 360º mechanism are more suitable for babies, as they allow nasal cleaning to be carried out from the most comfortable position for the little one.
As we have seen, knowing more about what bronchiolitis is, what the symptoms are and how to treat it in babies is essential for parents and guardians. In addition, prevention methods such as breastfeeding, nutritious food and washing your hands before picking up the baby are extremely important practices to avoid the disease. Don’t forget to clean your nose daily, which can be much easier and more peaceful with the use of spray devices . Always remember to keep up with your doctor’s follow-up.
Conclusion: symptoms bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory illness, particularly among infants and young children. Recognizing its symptoms—such as wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, and fever—can help caregivers seek timely medical attention. While most cases are mild and manageable at home, severe symptoms may require hospitalization. Understanding the signs and available treatments can ensure better outcomes for affected children.
FORFERDUR INFORMATION:https://proteomics.uk/