A disease of which, according to specialists, around 100,000 episodes occur each year in Spain in children under 2 years of age.
We tell you what are the main symptoms of this respiratory ailment, the causes and how it is treated. Take note!
Cough, shortness of breath, fever … these are some of the symptoms of bronchiolitis, a disease that, according to the Spanish Association of Pediatrics, occurs every year in Spain, around 100,000 episodes in children under 2 years of age , being the main cause of hospitalization in pediatrics. But what is bronchiolitis?
Well, bronchiolitis is a disease of the respiratory tract that occurs when the bronchioles, that is, the last branches of the bronchi, become inflamed. This inflammation is caused, in most cases, by an infection by a virus that causes these small airways to swell and fill with mucus .
As detailed by the Spanish Association of Pediatrics, popularly known as AEPED, it is estimated that approximately 20% of children will have an episode of bronchiolitis in their first year of life. An ailment that lasts for approximately 7 days .
Symptoms of bronchiolitis
The main symptoms, and the most common are the following:
- Tos.
- Nasal mucus
- Fever.
- Shortness of breath
- General discomfort.
One of the terms that we have to know when we talk about bronchiolitis is wheezing , or what is the same, a hissing or whistling sound that appears during breathing. Something that occurs frequently in children with bronchiolitis and asthma .
What are the causes of bronchiolitis?
In line with what we have previously mentioned, the main cause of bronchiolitis is the respiratory syncytial virus , also known as RSV. A highly contagious virus and responsible, according to the AEPED, for 50% of cases of bronchiolitis and 25% of pneumonia.
But not only RSV causes bronchiolitis, there are other viruses that can cause it. It also appears because the airways of patients prone to this condition, children under 2 years of age, are smaller and more easily obstructed.
What is the treatment for bronchiolitis?
The first thing we must be clear about is that bronchiolitis is not treated with an antibiotic, as it is an inflammation caused by a virus and not by bacteria.
Therefore, the main objective of the treatment is none other than to alleviate the symptoms of bronchiolitis, mainly the one that has to do with respiratory distress .
For this, it is usual for the specialist professional to indicate the intake of some medicine to open the bronchioles and, in the most serious cases, the hospitalization of the patient so that oxygen is administered to breathe better.
Can bronchiolitis be prevented?
Taking into account that the viruses that cause bronchiolitis are spread from one person to another, it is important to take a series of measures so that the virus does not spread. The measures highlighted by the experts are the following:
- Limit contact with people with symptoms such as fever or cold .
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces.
- Provide good ventilation.
- When sneezing or coughing, bring the inside of your elbow to your mouth instead of your hand. If necessary, use a mask .
- Prolonging breastfeeding to 6 months protects babies from bronchiolitis.
What is the difference between bronchitis and bronchiolitis?
When it comes to being a respiratory disease, it is common for us to confuse its term with bronchitis. Because the words are very similar, but they do not refer to the same ailment.
Bronchiolitis is, as we have explained, the inflammation of the bronchioles, the last branches of the bronchi. While bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes .
One of the main differences between the two ailments is that bronchiolitis affects children under 2 years of age and bronchitis affects adults.
From Hogarmania we recommend that, for any questions that may arise, do not hesitate to consult your family doctor or a specialist professional.