Bronchiolitis is a common viral infection that primarily affects infants and young children, especially during the winter months. It is caused by inflammation and congestion in the small airways (bronchioles) of the lungs, typically triggered by a viral infection like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While many cases of bronchiolitis are mild, severe cases can lead to difficulty breathing and may require medical intervention. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for bronchiolitis, helping families throughout Atlanta manage their child’s symptoms and recovery.
What Is Bronchiolitis and Why Does It Affect Young Children?
Bronchiolitis is most common in children under two years old, with the highest risk for infants between three and six months. Younger children have smaller airways, which can become easily blocked when inflammation and mucus build up. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bronchiolitis is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in infants during their first year of life. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options is crucial to managing this condition effectively.
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Spotting the Symptoms of Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis often starts with cold-like symptoms, but it can quickly progress into more serious respiratory distress. The condition typically lasts between one to two weeks, with peak symptoms occurring around day three to five.
Common symptoms of pediatric bronchiolitis include:
Runny or stuffy nose
The earliest signs often resemble a common cold.
Cough
A persistent cough that worsens over a few days.
Fever
Low-grade fever, typically ranging from 100.4°F to 102°F.
Wheezing
A high-pitched sound when your child exhales, indicating blocked airways.
Difficulty breathing
Signs of respiratory distress include rapid breathing, nasal flaring, and chest retractions (where the skin pulls in between the ribs when breathing).
Poor feeding
Infants may struggle to feed due to difficulty breathing or discomfort.
Lethargy or irritability
Your child may seem more tired or fussy than usual.
If your child is showing signs of severe respiratory distress, such as struggling to breathe, bluish skin (especially around the lips), or extreme fatigue, seek medical attention immediately.
Diagnosing Bronchiolitis: What to Expect
At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we use a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests to confirm bronchiolitis in young children. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
Medical History and Physical Exam
We will review your child’s symptoms, including how long they have been present and whether they’ve been exposed to anyone with respiratory infections. During the physical exam, we will listen to your child’s lungs for signs of wheezing, crackling sounds, or labored breathing.
Pulse Oximetry
This non-invasive test measures the oxygen levels in your child’s blood. Children with bronchiolitis may have lower oxygen saturation due to airway blockages, and pulse oximetry helps assess the severity of the condition.
Viral Testing
In some cases, we may use a nasal swab to test for RSV or other viruses that can cause bronchiolitis. While viral testing is not always necessary for diagnosis, it can be useful if we need to confirm the cause of your child’s symptoms, especially during RSV season.
Treatment for Bronchiolitis: Supporting Your Child’s Recovery
There is no specific medication that cures bronchiolitis, as it is typically caused by a viral infection. However, supportive care can help manage your child’s symptoms and make them more comfortable while their body fights the infection. Treatment focuses on easing breathing difficulties and ensuring that your child stays hydrated and comfortable.
At-Home Care Tips
Hydration
Keep your child well-hydrated by offering breast milk, formula, or small sips of water for older children. Dehydration is common in children with bronchiolitis because they may not want to eat or drink when they feel unwell.
Nasal suctioning
Clearing your baby’s nasal passages with a saline spray and nasal bulb suction can help them breathe easier, especially before feeding.
Humidifier
Running a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room can help loosen mucus and relieve congestion.
Rest
Make sure your child gets plenty of rest to allow their body to recover.
When Medical Care Is Needed
In more severe cases of bronchiolitis, hospitalization may be required. This is more common in infants who are born prematurely or have underlying medical conditions. Hospital treatment may include:
Oxygen therapy
If your child’s oxygen levels are low, they may need supplemental oxygen.
Intravenous (IV) fluids
For children who are dehydrated and unable to drink enough fluids on their own.
Ventilatory support
In rare cases, mechanical ventilation may be needed to assist with breathing.
At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we closely monitor children with bronchiolitis to ensure that symptoms are managed properly and to prevent complications like pneumonia or respiratory failure.
Preventing Bronchiolitis: Reducing the Risk
Bronchiolitis is highly contagious, especially in environments where children are in close contact with one another, such as daycare centers. The viruses that cause bronchiolitis, including RSV, spread through respiratory droplets, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces. To reduce the risk of your child contracting bronchiolitis:
Wash hands frequently
Encourage frequent handwashing for everyone in the household, especially during cold and flu season.
Avoid close contact with sick individuals
Keep infants away from people who are sick, especially those with cold-like symptoms.
Keep toys and surfaces clean
Regularly disinfect toys, countertops, and other surfaces that children frequently touch.
Breastfeeding
If possible, breastfeeding helps boost your baby’s immune system and may lower the risk of respiratory infections.
Flu vaccine
While the flu is not a direct cause of bronchiolitis, getting a flu shot reduces the overall risk of severe respiratory illness in young children.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Bronchiolitis
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Bronchiolitis involves inflammation in the small airways of the lungs, which leads to more serious symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing, unlike a common cold that typically only affects the upper respiratory tract.
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Bronchiolitis usually lasts about one to two weeks, but symptoms such as cough and congestion may linger for a few weeks after the infection clears.
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No, bronchiolitis is caused by a virus, so antibiotics are not effective. Treatment focuses on supportive care to manage symptoms.
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If your child is having difficulty breathing, has bluish skin (especially around the lips), or shows signs of dehydration, you should seek medical attention immediately.
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Yes, bronchiolitis is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
Schedule an Appointment for Bronchiolitis Treatment in Atlanta
If your child is showing symptoms of bronchiolitis or experiencing difficulty breathing, contact Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine to schedule an evaluation. Our experienced pediatricians provide expert diagnosis and treatment for respiratory conditions at our locations in Glenwood Park, Brookhaven, and Decatur, serving families across Atlanta.