Bronchiolitis
Causes of bronchiolitis
Source: NHS
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Bronchiolitis is almost always caused by a viral infection. In most cases, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible .
RSV is a very common virus and almost all children are infected with it by the time they're two years old. In older children and adults, RSV may cause a Cough or cold , but in young children it can cause bronchiolitis.
How the infection is spread
Viruses are spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Tiny droplets of liquid can be breathed in directly from the air or picked up from a surface they've landed on, such as a toy or table.
For example, your child can become infected after touching a toy that has the virus on it and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose. RSV can survive on a surface forup to 24hours.
An infected childcan remain infectious for up to three weeks, even after their symptoms have disappeared.
Howit affects the lungs
Once you become infected, the virus enters the respiratory system through the windpipe (trachea). The virus makes its way down to the smallest airways in the lungs (the bronchioles).
The infection causes the bronchioles to become inflamed (swollen) and increases the production of mucus. The mucus and swollen bronchioles can block the airways, making breathing difficult. As babies and young children have small, underdeveloped airways, they're more likely to get bronchiolitis.
Who's mostat risk?
Bronchiolitis is very common in infants and is usually mild. Several things can increase a child's likelihood of developing the infection, including:
- being breastfed for less than two months, or not at all
- being exposed to smoke (for example, if parents smoke)
- having brothers or sisters who attend school or nursery, as they're more likely to come into contact with a virus and pass it on
There are also a number of factors that can increase the risk of a child developing more severe bronchiolitis. These include:
- being under two months of age
- having congenital heart disease
- being born prematurely (before week 37 of pregnancy)
- having chronic lung disease of prematurity (when injury to the lungs causes long-term respiratory problems in premature babies)
Articles for Bronchiolitis
Causes of bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is almost always caused by a viral infection. In most cases, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible.
Complications of bronchiolitis
If your child develops complications from bronchiolitis, it's likely that they'll need hospital treatment.
Diagnosing bronchiolitis
Contact your GP if your child has symptoms of bronchiolitis. A diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms and an examination of your child's breathing.
Introduction
Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection that affects babies and young children under two years old.
Preventing bronchiolitis
The virus that causes bronchiolitis is very common and easily spread, so it's impossible to completely prevent it.
Symptoms of bronchiolitis
Most children with bronchiolitis have mild symptoms and recover within two to three weeks, but it's important to look out for signs of more serious problems, such as breathing difficulties.
Treating bronchiolitis
In most cases, bronchiolitis is mild and gets better without needing treatment within two to three weeks.
