Bronchiolitis, the "star" disease of winter

The cold has finally arrived and, of course, the bronchiolitis, the "star" disease of winter.

As every year around this time, the bronchiolitis epidemic has begun. Health centers and hospitals receive an avalanche of children affected by this respiratory disease, the most frequent in infants and children under 2 years of age, which poorly maintained can have serious consequences.

At least 40 percent of children suffer an episode of bronchiolitis before the first year of life. The worst part is taken by babies and young children because their airways, being small, block more easily. In some cases, children need to be admitted, and it is believed that having suffered bronchitis may predispose to developing asthma in the future.

Next, we will know more about this winter illness which brings the parents of young children upside down. Although it can also occur at other times of the year, the most frequent period is from November to April.

What is bronchiolitis?

It is a disease caused by bronchiole infection caused by

If the child has the above symptoms, it is necessary to go to the pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis and assess the situation.

In most cases, bronchiolitis presents mild symptoms that can be overcome at home with some guidelines.

The support treatment consists of dividing the shots (less food every less time), semi-incorporated position, frequent nasal washes with physiological serum, and keeping the child hydrated. It is also recommended in these cases respiratory physiotherapy, soft patting on the back with the hollow hand to help eliminate mucus.

You should avoid smoke in the house, and charged environments, as well as maintain the environment with an adequate humidity level. As for medications, they should be prescribed by the pediatrician, but antibiotics and only anti-thermal drugs are not used in case of fever.

If you see that the child gets worse, he does not want to eat and has more difficulty breathing, you must go to the emergency room. As if there is loss of consciousness, significant decrease in heart rate, blue skin color, bluish nails or inability to walk or eat.

In the more serious cases Children must be specially controlled, so the pediatrician will recommend hospitalization. Moderate and severe cadres are usually admitted between three and seven days, depending on the evolution of the child. In specific cases, intensive care is required.

The disease has a slow evolution. It lasts between one and two weeks, although it can take up to 30 days to recover completely.

Relationship between bronchiolitis and asthma

Bronchiolitis and asthma are two very different respiratory diseases. However, some studies suggest that bronchiolitis symptoms may be related to the presence of asthma in the future.

Most asthmatic children have had bronchiolitis when they were babies, which could indicate a peculiar way of responding to viruses by these children. It is believed that having had bronchiolitis predisposes the child to the disease developing again in future catarrhal processes because the bronchi become hyperreactive and react by contracting and obstructing the passage of air.

In any case, having presented episodes of bronchiolitis as a child does not mean that you will be asthmatic as an adult. Alone one in 3 or 4 will be asthmatic of greater.

If the bronchiolitis, the "star" disease of winter He has already visited you, we recommend a lot of patience and care for the baby. If it appears, follow the guidelines we have given before and if you have any doubts, consult your doctor.

Photos | APM Alex and inferis on Flickr More information | Aeped In Babies and more | Bronchiolitis, dangerous in winter, Bronchiolitis does not take Christmas holidays