Bronchiolitis is an inflammatory condition that can cause obstruction in the small airways (bronchioles) of the lungs. It causes shortness of breath enough to be hospitalized, and it worries families because of the risk of recurrence.
In Which Age Group and When Does Bronchiolitis Occur?
It is usually seen in children younger than 2 years old, and in babies aged 3-6 months. . It is the most common cause of hospitalization in this age group. Although bronchiolitis can be seen in any season, it is most common in winter, especially between October and May.
What is the Cause of Bronchiolitis?
The cause of bronchiolitis is mostly viruses. The causative agent in 50 percent of the patients is RSV, that is, “respiratory syncytial virus”. This is followed by rhinovirus, parainfluenza, influenza virus and adenoviruses. 90 percent of the patients have a family history of influenza.
What are the Symptoms of Bronchiolitis?
The incubation period is between 7-10 days. Bronchiolitis, just like a cold, starts with a runny nose, mild cough, nasal congestion. The fever is normal or may be slightly elevated. In some patients, the situation may worsen. Within a few days, the cough intensifies and wheezing occurs.
Situations such as increased respiratory frequency, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, accompanying nasal wings with respiration, restlessness, collapsing of the ribs with each breath may occur. Nutrition and fluid intake may decrease with the disease. Infants may require hospitalization and follow-up due to malnutrition and insufficient fluid consumption.
How to Diagnose Bronchiolitis?
The diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis is based on clinical findings. There is no specific laboratory test. No laboratory examination is required except in special cases.
How to Treat Bronchiolitis?
Since bronchiolitis is mostly caused by viral causes, antibiotics have no place in the treatment. It is important to keep the child's nose open. It is useful to use nasal drops with salt water frequently to prevent the thickening of nasal secretions. Nutrition should be considered. Since eating is more tiring than normal times, it should be fed in small amounts but at frequent intervals. cough no Plenty of fluids should be taken, especially breast milk, as it will reduce the breasts.
Cough is a nice reflex that helps to clear the airways. Syrups that suppress cough and flu drugs, which we call decongestants, are not used in the treatment of bronchiolitis as they may cause thickening of the secretions and progression of the disease.
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