Bronchiolitis
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Bronchioles are tiny tubes inside the lungs that supply air that we breathe in.
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As these tubes are tiny, any inflammation causes severe symptoms.
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This inflammation can occur due to many reasons, most often due to a virus.
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This condition is most often in children less than 2 years of age.
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As you might have noticed, children get more viral infections than adults.
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Once this virus travels downwards from the nose to the lungs, Bronchiolitis occurs.
SYMPTOMS
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Running nose, fever, cough, wheeze are some symptoms.
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Here, due to the plugging of tubes by mucus, there is difficulty in breathing.
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The baby may cry constantly or in later stages be inactive.
TREATMENT
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As this is a viral disease there is no effective treatment.
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Most of it is supportive.
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Some of the below might help
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Steam inhalation (be careful not to burn) is may be beneficial.
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Occasionally inhalers are prescribed to try to open the lungs.
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Oxygen and fluids are given in hospitals. Antibiotics are not given until a coexisting bacterial infection is suspected.
Remember- Any child less than 3 months, or with a history of heart conditions, or change in colour must be immediately seen by a doctor.
PREVENTION
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In babies with heart and other lung issues, medications to prevent RSV virus is given in winter months as monthly injections.
CONCERNS
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Children with bronchiolitis are known to have recurrent wheezing episodes.
DANGER SIGNS- See a doctor if the below features.
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Inability to feed
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Not passed urine for over few hours (8 to 12 hours)
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Change in colour- turning blue
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Difficulty in breathing
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Unresponsive or weakness
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Babies less than 3 months