Bronchiolitis, common in children under 2 years old, is an acute respiratory infection caused mainly by the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). In France, around a third of infants are affected each year. The disease is characterized by inflammation of the bronchioles, the small branches of the respiratory tree, hindering breathing and causing a wheezing cough. This cough is comparable to air escaping from a pinched balloon.
It is crucial to consult a doctor at the first symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, difficulty breathing, or sometimes fever. However, most cases of bronchiolitis are mild. A simple treatment, such as clearing the nose with physiological serum, is often sufficient. However, certain signs should alert you and require urgent consultation, particularly in infants less than six weeks old, premature children, those with a history of cardiac or respiratory problems, or in cases of severe eating disorders.
The standard treatment for bronchiolitis is nasal clearing with physiological saline. This technique, often poorly mastered, is nevertheless essential. It is carried out by laying the infant down, turning his head to the side, and introducing a dose of serum into one nostril until the liquid flows out of the other. You must repeat the operation for each nostril and carry out this washing regularly, particularly before meals. In case of fever, an antipyretic medication adapted to the child’s weight may be prescribed.
Prevention and prophylactic measures
To prevent bronchiolitis, several measures can be adopted:
– Regular hand washing.
– Wearing a mask and disinfecting your hands in case of illness.
– Frequent ventilation of rooms.
– Stop smoking, especially during periods of risk.
Respiratory physiotherapy, although often mentioned, is only recommended in the most severe cases of bronchiolitis. To learn more about bronchiolitis and the precautions to take, you can consult dedicated medical resources or speak to your primary care physician.