Bronchitis is a respiratory infection. A doctor should check out children if they have difficulty breathing or coughing. They should also be checked for risk factors, such as premature birth. Bronchitis can be prevented if you know what to look for. Bronchitis symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, and fever.
Symptoms
Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that begins with a mild upper respiratory infection and develops into breathing problems within 2 to 3 days. The first sign is a cough, which wheezing or crackling noises can accompany. The illness is usually diagnosed by physical examination. In most cases, the illness is treatable, but some children may need to stay in the hospital to have the disease treated.
Severe bronchiolitis can lead to hospitalization, especially if the disease progresses rapidly. About two to three percent of babies with bronchiolitis will require hospitalization. Children with heart conditions or premature birth are at greater risk for developing more severe cases.
If your child is hospitalized, he or she may need to be on oxygen through a mask. This treatment is only temporary. During this time, you should wash your hands before touching your child. You should also avoid smoking in the vicinity of your child.
Diagnosis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually caused by the respiratory syncytial virus. This virus is very contagious, and epidemics occur almost every winter. It has several symptoms, such as wheezing and noisy breathing. It also turns the face and lips blue. A doctor can diagnose bronchiolitis with the help of a stethoscope.
The most common reason for hospitalization in children is bronchiolitis. Diagnosis based on the child’s history and physical examination findings is essential for appropriately managing the disease. While the symptoms of bronchiolitis are usually self-limiting, some children may require admission to the hospital for extended treatment or monitoring. However, with the correct diagnosis, bronchiolitis can be treated and controlled with supportive care at home.
Patients with severe symptoms, unusual clinical presentations, or a history of chronic respiratory disease may be candidates for radiographic or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions. The differential diagnosis for bronchiolitis includes several other respiratory and inflammatory conditions.
Treatment
In children, bronchiolitis is the most common acute respiratory illness. It is usually mild, but severe cases require hospitalization or ventilatory support. Traditionally, treatment has focused on supportive care, including assisted feeding, nasal suctioning, and oxygen therapy. In recent years, these therapies have allowed them to deliver more oxygen while cleaning the airways more effectively.
Treatment of bronchiolitis depends on the type of underlying infection. Most commonly, it is caused by a viral infection. Treatment should be individualized based on the child’s age and health status. Sometimes, a chest X-ray is necessary to rule out complications such as pneumonia. The oxygen saturation of a child with bronchiolitis should be less than 90% when he or she is breathing air.
Various treatment options are available for children with acute viral bronchiolitis. The most effective treatment is supportive care, ensuring that the infant can breathe and eat enough. If necessary, supplemental humidified oxygen may be administered to maintain oxygen saturation levels above 92%. Patients with severe bronchiolitis may also benefit from bronchodilators.
Prevention
Prevention of bronchiolitis is crucial for infants and young children. It is usually caused by a viral infection and results in acute swelling of the small airways and increased mucus production. Symptoms can be mild at first and progress to wheezing and tachypnea. In some cases, the child may also develop accessory muscle use and flaring of the nose.
As with any infection, the diagnosis of bronchiolitis should be made by a physician. A physical exam and history can accurately identify your child is suffering from this respiratory infection. While blood tests are not necessary to confirm a diagnosis, they may help determine the exact cause of the illness. A bacterial infection may be the culprit in some cases, meaning antibiotics must be administered.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published new guidelines for preventing and treating bronchiolitis in children. The guideline was developed by a panel of pediatricians, emergency medicine specialists, pulmonologists, and epidemiologists. The committee collaborated with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and developed a comprehensive, evidence-based literature review. The report compiled data from several sources, including clinical practice guidelines, to make recommendations for treatment and prevention.
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