How is bronchiolitis managed?
Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory illness affecting infants worldwide. The mainstays of therapy include airway support, supplemental oxygen, and support of fluids and nutrition.
What is the cause of bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is almost always caused by a viral infection. In most cases, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible. RSV is a very common virus and almost all children are infected with it by the time they’re 2 years old.
How do you treat bronchiolitis at home?
Treatment at home
- Keep your child upright. Keeping your child upright may make it easier for them to breathe, which may help when they’re trying to feed.
- Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids.
- Do not smoke at home.
- Relieving a fever.
- Saline nasal drops.
What is drug of choice for bronchiolitis?
The only known specific treatment is aerosolized ribavirin, an antiviral agent for bronchiolitis caused by RSV. Among the popular symptomatic treatments are bronchodilators and corticosteroids.
How do you assess severity of bronchiolitis?
The 4-item Tal et al. severity score consists of respiratory rate, wheeze, cyanosis, and accessory respiratory muscle utilization, with scores for each sign ranging from 0 to 3 (Table 2). The score was in the range 0–12, with a higher score indicating more respiratory distress.
What does bronchiolitis sound like?
Wheezing is the main symptom that helps with diagnosis. Wheezing is a high-pitched purring or whistling sound. You can hear it best when your child is breathing out. Rapid breathing at a rate of over 40 breaths per minute.
Will an inhaler help bronchiolitis?
In the recent past, children with bronchiolitis were given a trial of inhaled albuterol, which was thought to improve airflow to the lungs. However, recent studies have found that albuterol does not help symptoms and results in uncomfortable side effects.