Children bronchiolitis in winter

Children of different ages cough for different reasons. The chief reason of cough for children under the age of two is Bronchiolitis. The problem is caused by respiratory syncytial virus. Human metapneumovirus, para influenza virus, adenovirus can be responsible too in some cases.

Many confuse the condition with pneumonia. In bronchiolitis, the tiny airways of the lung (bronchioles) are affected and for pneumonia, the air sacs of the lungs are affected.

Symptoms

The infant may have slight cold and cough for two or three days. The temperature may rise a little. Breathing complication, wheezing, sunken ribs while breathing in, skin turned bluish are among the symptoms. The liver and spleen may appear bigger as air is trapped inside the lungs.
The children under the age of two who sneeze, cough, and have rattling sound in the chest along with breathing difficulty generally signal bronchiolitis.

Diagnosis

In most cases, no screening is required. To test other complications, white blood cell count test and x-ray may require.

Treatment

Home treatment is enough in common cases. The unaffected ones must not come into contact with the affected ones. Smoking cigarette, incense and other sources must be prevented. Keep the child in open spaces during daytime. Paracetamol and saline water can be given for fever and nasal congestion. Do not use ointment like Vicks, Balm and so on.

*The author, Abu Sayeed, is a paediatrician.