What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in children and infants.
Bronchiolitis causes the small airways in the lungs to become blocked with mucus, swelling, and irritation. It is usually caused by a virus.
Bronchiolitis starts with cold-like symptoms, but gets worse over time. As the disease progresses, your little one may have trouble breathing. Symptoms of bronchiolitis last from one to two weeks, although it is possible for it to last longer.
In a large percentage of clinical cases, most children recover at home, meaning that bronchiolitis can be treated at home, although some children may require hospitalization.
Be sure to contact your pediatrician if symptoms become severe, especially if the baby is under 12 weeks old, has a history of heart problems, or is premature.
A child should be taken to the hospital immediately if they have the following symptoms:
- The skin, lips, and nails have turned blue or gray due to a lack of oxygen in the body;
- Has difficulty breathing, cannot speak, or cry;
- Breathes quickly while eating or drinking;
- Rapid breathing;
- Makes a wheezing sound when breathing;
- Makes a gurgling sound in the nose with each breath;
- Moves slowly;
- General weakness and fatigue.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bronchiolitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351565
