Description
Bronchiolitis, usually caused by viruses. Bronchiolitis is a common infection of the lung airways. These conditions usually occur during the autumn and winter, and most often occurs in infants between the ages of 3-6 months. Although this condition begins with symptoms similar to ordinary flu, then progress to wheezing and coughing.
Symptoms of bronchiolitis typically last about a week and then leave. Sometimes, bronchiolitis can be severe and require hospitalization in the case of children with underlying health problems.
Cause
The main airway to the lungs is the throat (trachea), which branched from the two main breathing tubes called bronchi, one to the right lung, and one to the left. Bronchi in every branch of the lungs become smaller and smaller air tubes in the hallway which distributes air throughout the lungs. The smallest bronchioles of the airways.
When the virus enters the respiratory system and makes its way into the bronchioles and cause the airways become swollen and inflamed, resulting in bronchiolitis. The result is a collection of mucus in the airways, making it difficult for air to flow freely through the lungs. Although signs and symptoms in older children and adults are generally mild, but can cause breathing difficulties in babies. Because the baby is much narrower bronchioles than in adults and is more easily blocked.
Most cases of childhood bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In addition, it can also be caused by other infectious agents, including viruses that cause the common cold. Some infections, such as the combination of RSV and metapneumovirus can cause severe cases of bronchiolitis. There is no vaccine for bronchiolitis, which is a contagious condition. The virus is transmitted in the same way as contracting colds or the flu. That is by touching contaminated objects and then touching their eyes or the inside of their nose or mouth, or breathing air droplets of infected mucus or other respiratory secretions.
Symptom
Usually the signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to ordinary flu, especially in the first two tau 3 hours. Signs and symptoms may include:
1. Nasal congestion
2. Fever
3. Cold
In 2 or 3 days later the child may experience:
1. Rapid heartbeat
2. It's harder to breathe
3. Rapid and shallow breathing
Usually, the infection heal itself within 7-10 days in the case of a healthy baby. However, infection can be more severe and the child may need to be treated in the hospital if:
1. The child was born prematurely
2. The child has underlying health problems, such as lung or heart conditions, or weakened immune systems.
Severe bronchiolitis requiring emergency medical care, because it can cause the child has trouble breathing, or develop a visible bluish skin (cyanosis), which is a sign that the child is not getting enough oxygen.
Treatment
Most cases of bronchiolitis can be treated at home with self-care measures. Children may be prescribed antibiotics if a bacterial infection-related, such as pneumonia. However, antibiotics are not effective in treating bronchiolitis, if the condition is caused by a virus. A bronchodilator may be prescribed in severe cases. Bronchodilators are drugs that open the airways in the lungs, such as albuterol or albuterol inhalers. Although not effective as desired, but the inhaled antiviral drugs can also be used, such as ribavirin.
Inpatient in a hospital may be necessary in some cases, especially if the child has complications from bronchiolitis. While in the hospital, to prevent dehydration, the child will be given fluids intravenously (through veins) and in order to maintain sufficient oxygen in the blood, the child will receive oxygen.
Sources: Epharmapedia
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