10 Things To Know About Bronchiolitis

Chances are you've heard of bronchitis. But what about bronchiolitis?

This common childhood illness is usually not serious, but it can be. If you have an infant or young toddler at home, it's important to know about this respiratory condition.

Brittani Corbisiero, DO, a pediatric and newborn hospitalist who practices at Franciscan Health Indianapolis, shares important information about bronchiolitis in children.

What Is Bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is similar to the more well-known bronchitis. Both refer to inflammation in the lungs. What distinguishes the conditions is the part of the lungs they affect, said Dr. Corbisiero.

Your trachea, or windpipe, branches off into your right and left lungs. Bronchi are your lungs' large airways. Bronchioles are smaller airways that are deeper in the lungs. Bronchitis affects the bronchi, while bronchiolitis affects the bronchioles.

What Causes Bronchiolitis?

"Any viral illness can cause bronchiolitis," said Dr. Corbisiero. "The most common one in kiddos is RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)." Other viral causes include influenza, parainfluenza and human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

Is Bronchiolitis Contagious?

It's the viruses that cause bronchiolitis that are contagious.

"You can spread a virus by coughing or sneezing," said Dr. Corbisiero. Touching surfaces that contain virus droplets may also cause illness.

Who's Most At Risk For Bronchiolitis?

"Bronchiolitis can affect people at any age, but it's most common in kids younger than 2 or 3 years old," said Dr. Corbisiero.

When a young child comes in contact with a virus, they typically have a bigger inflammatory response than adults because children do not have a build-up immunity from past infections, like adults may have, she added.

"Any child who already has chronic lung disease is at a slightly higher risk because they have inflamed lungs at baseline," said Dr. Corbisiero.

Premature babies and those with an immune system disorder or weakened immune system are also at risk.

Would I Recognize Bronchiolitis Signs And Symptoms?

Symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to those of a cold, according to Dr. Corbisiero. They can include nasal discharge, cough and fever.

If the condition worsens, kids may have trouble breathing or show signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, lack of tears when crying and dry mouth.

If I Suspect Bronchiolitis, Should I Take My Child To A Doctor?

"A lot of times, it's safe for parents to manage this at home," said Dr. Corbisiero. But if you have any concerns, you shouldn't hesitate to contact your child's doctor.

If your child is having trouble breathing, seek emergency care. Signs include:

• Very rapid breathing
• Flaring nostrils
• Being able to see an outline of the child's ribs during breathing
• A bobbing head
• Extreme fatigue

Medical attention is also important if your child is dehydrated.

What Are The Best Home Bronchiolitis Treatments For Kids?

"Keeping a fever down always makes kiddos more comfortable," said Dr. Corbisiero. Over-the-counter medicines such as Motrin or Tylenol can help. But don't use baby aspirin.

Hydration is also important. Drinking water is fine for that. "But if your child isn't eating much, juice or Pedialyte are good because they contain some sugar," said Dr. Corbisiero.

A suction bulb or other device can help clear mucus from a child's nose. And If your child has asthma, it is especially important to follow their asthma action plan. Asthma and bronchiolitis can be a bad combination.

Because viruses cause bronchiolitis, antibiotics are not part of treatment.

How Do Doctors Treat More Severe Bronchiolitis?

It's rare for children to require hospitalization, but in severe cases, hospital care is necessary.

Treatment may include supplemental oxygen or a device to help children breathe more easily.

"That just gives their little bodies a rest, so they don't have to work so hard to breathe and get all the oxygen they need," said Dr. Corbisiero.

If a child is dehydrated, they may need IV fluids as part of their treatment.

How Long Does Bronchiolitis Last?

"Most of the time, kids are back to normal in about seven to 14 days," said Dr. Corbisiero. "Days three through five typically are the worst."

Nasal drainage usually clears up first. A cough may linger for three to four weeks.

"Anytime you have a cough with a fever for more than a week, you should see the child's doctor to make sure they don't have a bacterial infection, like pneumonia," said Dr. Corbisiero.

Is Bronchiolitis Preventable?

You can lower the risk of bronchiolitis in infants and young children by washing your hands before touching them, according to Dr. Corbisiero. Also, try to keep your child away from people who are sick and keep surfaces clean.

There is a vaccine to lower the risk of RSV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended the vaccine for babies whose mother didn't receive it during pregnancy and those between ages 8 and 19 months who are at severe risk. The CDC has recommended the influenza vaccine for babies 6 months and older.

You Know Your Child Best

"In the post-COVID world, we're all a little on edge about viruses," Dr. Corbisiero said. But bronchiolitis is nothing new, and thankfully, in most cases, it is manageable at home.

Still, she said, you know your child best. If they're not acting right or you have other concerns, it's reasonable to have a doctor evaluate them.