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What is Bronchiolitis?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Bronchiolitis is an infection of the bronchioles, tiny branchings of the airway which play an important role in lung function. Most cases of bronchiolitis are very mild, and can be treated at home with support such as plenty of rest and fluids. In some cases, however, the condition can become severe, and the patient may require hospitalization and measures such as intubation or supplemental oxygen. A pediatrician can evaluate a child to determine whether or not hospitalization is needed.

This condition is most commonly seen in children under two, probably because their airways are so small that even mild inflammation can become a problem. In infants, bronchiolitis can be especially dangerous. It is usually caused by a viral infection which leads to inflammation of the bronchioles. Rates of bronchiolitis are especially common in the fall and winter, during the winter cold and flu season. People can reduce the risks by making sure that their children wash their hands regularly, and by asking people to wash their hands before handling their children.

In severe case of bronchiolitis, intubation may be necessary.
In severe case of bronchiolitis, intubation may be necessary.

The normal course of bronchiolitis starts out with classic symptoms of a respiratory virus, such as sniffling, sneezing, mild fever, and so forth. Eventually, the patient develops difficulty breathing. This can include labored breathing, flaring of the nostrils with each breathe, and noticeable shortness of breath. The difficulty breathing is caused by the swelling of the bronchioles in response to inflammation. In otherwise healthy patients, the body is usually able to resolve the inflammation on its own.

A pediatrician can evaluate a child to determine whether or not hospitalization is needed to treat bronchiolitis.
A pediatrician can evaluate a child to determine whether or not hospitalization is needed to treat bronchiolitis.

Just keeping a child in bed and providing warm fluids is often enough to address a case of bronchiolitis. However, there are situations in which people should call the doctor. Signs that medical attention is needed include: skin color changes, extreme fatigue, bluing of the lips, dehydration, severe wheezing, a rapid breathing rate, or obvious difficulty breathing. These symptoms indicate that the inflammation is severe and the patient needs more aggressive medical treatment.

Bronchiolitis often begins with sneezing and sniffling.
Bronchiolitis often begins with sneezing and sniffling.

Respiratory infections are a common problem in young children. Care providers try to strike a balance between seeing a child for any sniffle, and having parents wait too long for treatment. As a general rule, a pediatrician would much rather see a patient for a mild condition which requires no action than to see a patient after it is too late. If parents suspect that a child is having trouble breathing or they are worried about the way the child is breathing, they should take the child to a doctor.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • In severe case of bronchiolitis, intubation may be necessary.
      By: sudok1
      In severe case of bronchiolitis, intubation may be necessary.
    • A pediatrician can evaluate a child to determine whether or not hospitalization is needed to treat bronchiolitis.
      By: Darren Baker
      A pediatrician can evaluate a child to determine whether or not hospitalization is needed to treat bronchiolitis.
    • Bronchiolitis often begins with sneezing and sniffling.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Bronchiolitis often begins with sneezing and sniffling.
    • Bronchiolitis can be especially dangerous in infants.
      By: Lisa Eastman
      Bronchiolitis can be especially dangerous in infants.