Although Covid-19 has taken a big place in our lives, it does not eradicate other diseases and epidemics. We must therefore remain on our guard and take precautions for any other type of virus. And right now an epidemic of bronchiolitis affects France. Although she is used to appearing in mid-October and peaking in December, this year is the month of March that she has chosen.
It is certainly the serious use of barrier gestures that made it possible to curb bronchiolitis in the fall.
Children in the emergency room
Last week, 1,646 children under the age of two were taken to the emergency room, according to Public Health France. Of these 1646 babies, 619 (or 38%) were hospitalized and of these, 561 (or 91%) were under one year of age. We calculate an 18% increase in emergency room visits and 13% hospitalization compared to last week. We must therefore be very vigilant.
What are the symptoms to watch out for?
Remember that bronchiolitis is an acute infection of the lower lower respiratory tract (more exactly, of the bronchioles) in children under 2 years of age. Here are the symptoms:
- Appearance of a cold accompanied by a slight fever (runny nose, dry cough)
- Rapid shallow breathing, gasping
- Refusal of bottles, to drink in general
- A flapping of the wings of the nose: in other words the child digs to breathe
- Signs of restlessness
- Pallor
- Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes)
- Moderate fever
If your child exhibits these different signs, contact their pediatrician immediately! Difficulty breathing in such a young child can be very harmful. Usually, the illness lasts between 5 and 10 days, but can extend for up to 4 weeks.
For the moment, the regions most affected are Burgundy, Franche-Comté and Occitanie. The Grand Est follows them closely.
What to do in case of bronchiolitis
We must work harder to help baby and make his convalescence less painful. So to do this, you must:
- Make room in baby’s nose with physiological saline
- Give baby to drink often and in small quantities
- Split meals, baby may not have much of an appetite and will not be able to eat enough at one time
- Lift baby’s bust when he sleeps using cushions under the mattress
- Regularly ventilate the room
- Keep the room temperature between 18 and 19 degrees
- Wash hands before handling baby
- Wear a mask in case of a cold
- Above all, do not smoke in the presence of baby
Read also :
Respiratory physiotherapist for my little one, does it hurt?
If the diagnosis is made on time and you follow your doctor’s instructions, your baby should heal quickly!