Bronchiolitis in Children
Bronchiolitis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of air passages in the lungs (bronchioles). This condition causes breathing problems. These problems are usually not serious, though in some cases they can be life-threatening. This condition can also cause more mucus which can block the airway.
Follow these instructions at home:
Managing symptoms
- Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s doctor.
- Use saline nose drops to keep your child’s nose clear. You can buy these at a pharmacy.
- Use a bulb syringe to help clear your child’s nose.
- Use a cool mist vaporizer in your child’s bedroom at night.
- Do notallow smoking at home or near your child.
Keeping the condition from spreading to others
- Keep your child at home until your child gets better.
- Keep your child away from others.
- Have everyone in your home wash his or her hands often.
- Clean surfaces and doorknobs often.
- Show your child how to cover his or her mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing.
General instructions
- Have your child drink enough fluid to keep his or her pee (urine) clear or light yellow.
- Watch your child’s condition carefully. It can change quickly.
Preventing the condition
- Breastfeed your child, if possible.
- Keep your child away from people who are sick.
- Do notallow smoking in your home.
- Teach your child to wash her or his hands. Your child should use soap and water. If water is not available, your child should use hand sanitizer.
- Make sure your child gets routine shots and the flu shot every year.
Contact a doctor if:
- Your child is not getting better after 3 to 4 days.
- Your child has new problems like vomiting or diarrhea.
- Your child has a fever.
- Your child has trouble breathing while eating.
Get help right away if:
- Your child is having more trouble breathing.
- Your child is breathing faster than normal.
- Your child makes short, low noises when breathing.
- You can see your child’s ribs when he or she breathes (retractions) more than before.
- Your child’s nostrils move in and out when he or she breathes (flare).
- It gets harder for your child to eat.
- Your child pees less than before.
- Your child’s mouth seems dry.
- Your child looks blue.
- Your child needs help to breathe regularly.
- Your child begins to get better but suddenly has more problems.
- Your child’s breathing is not regular.
- You notice any pauses in your child’s breathing (apnea).
- Your child who is younger than 3 months has a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or higher.
Summary
- Bronchiolitis is irritation and swelling of air passages in the lungs.
- Follow your doctor’s directions about using medicines, saline nose drops, bulb syringe, and a cool mist vaporizer.
- Get help right away if your child has trouble breathing, has a fever, or has other problems that start quickly.
