Bronchiolitis is an infection of the lungs caused by a virus. Children under 2 years old are most likely to get it. It usually starts as a cold then gets worse in a few days. For most children it is mild. But some children must be hospitalized because they are dehydrated (need more fluids) or they need extra oxygen or help with breathing.

Symptoms may include:
In the early stages:

• Runny nose, cough
• Low-grade fever

Then, breathing becomes more difficult with:

• Wheezing
• Rapid breathing - more than 40 breaths per minute
• Flaring nostrils
• Fussiness, irritability, and poor appetite
• Use of abdominal muscles to breath - the skin will "pull" between the ribs.

What your doctor can do:

• Diagnose bronchiolitis by listening to your child's breathing and ordering lab tests
• Check to see if your child is getting enough oxygen and enough fluids
• Check for pneumonia with a chest x-ray.
• Prescribe medicine to help her cough.

What you can do:

• Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Motrin for a fever over 102 F. Do not ALTERNATE THESE TWO DRUGS and do NOT give aspirin.
• Give lots of liquids for coughing spasms and to prevent dehydration.
• Use a cool mist vaporizer, especially in the bedroom, to make breathing easier. Clean it daily with a mild bleach solution to prevent molds. Be sure to rinse it well.
• Turn on cool water in the shower or bath then sit with your child in the moist air.
• If their nose is stopped up, suction gently with a rubber suction bulb.
• Ask your doctor or nurse to show you how to suction the nose if you are not sure.
• DO NOT smoke, or let anyone else smoke, around your sick child.

What you can expect:

• Breathing will likely get worse for 2 or 3 days then get better.
• Sometimes wheezing and coughing can last several weeks.
• A few children need to be hospitalized. In the hospital, your child can receive extra fluids through a vein (IV), extra oxygen, or help breathing.
• Your child may develop an ear infection and, possibly, asthma.

Contact your doctor within 24 hours if your child is unable to sleep due to wheezing, not drinking enough fluids, or acts sicker.

Seek immediate medical assistance if your child's wheezing becomes worse, breathing becomes more difficult, or faster than 60 breaths per minute, lips turn blue, stop breathing or passes out.

Contact Lake Area Pediatrics at
(936) 582-5620