Bronchiolitis is an infection of the small airways of the lungs.
Bronchiolitis is caused by the narrowing of the small airways in the lung (bronchioles). This narrowing may be caused by certain types of viruses, particularly the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). While infants with RSV develop bronchiolitis, older children and adults may merely develop common cold-type symptoms. The RSV virus is found in nasal secretions of infected individuals. It is spread by sneezing, coughing, hand-to-nose or hand-to-eye contact.
Symptoms may worsen for three to five days before improving. Wheezing may last for more than five days, and the cough can last for more than 14 days.
If your child's nose is blocked, he or she may not be able to breastfeed or drink from a milk bottle. Place three drops of saline in each nostril. After about one minute, use a soft rubber suction bulb to suck out the mucus. You can repeat this several times until your child's breathing through the nose becomes quiet and easy.
Encourage your child to drink adequate fluids. Feeding is often tiring so offer your child formula or breast milk in smaller amounts at more frequent intervals. If your child vomits during a coughing spasm, you may feed the child again.
Tobacco smoke aggravates coughing. The incidence of prolonged wheezing increases greatly in children who have an RSV infection and are exposed to passive smoking. Do not let anyone smoke around your child, especially in your home.
