By: Amy Molina. RN.C

Bronchiolitis is caused by a number of viruses, usually Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV occurs in epidemic almost every winter. Whereas infants with RSV develop bronchiolitis, children over 2 years and adults just develop a cold. This virus is found in nasal secretions or infected individuals. It is spread by sneezing, coughing, hand to nose or hand to eye contact. People do not develop permanent immunity to RSV.

Typical Symptoms include:

	Wheezing
	Rapid breathing (more than 40 breaths per minute)
	Cough with lots of sticky mucous
	Fever and runny nose (similar to asthma) often precede these symptoms.

The narrowing of the smallest airways in the lung (bronchioles) causes wheezing. This narrowing results in inflammation (swelling) making it difficult to breathe well and the feeling of tight breathing. (Your child has to push the air out.)

Wheezing often becomes worse the first 2 - 3 days and then begins to improve. Overall, the wheezing may last 7 days and the coughing up to 14 days. The most common complication is an ear infection, occurring in 20% of infants. Only 1-2% of children with bronchiolitis is hospitalized because they need oxygen or IV fluids.

Because a virus causes bronchiolitis, it is not necessary to start antibiotics but some pediatricians give an antibiotic to prevent a bacterial infection on top of the virus.

Try some of our suggested Home Remedies for Brochiolitis (RSV).

CALL YOU DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF:

	Breathing becomes very labored or difficult
	Wheezing becomes severe
	Breathing rapidly occurs at a rate of 60 breaths per minute
	You see "retractions" (tugging between the ribs)
	Your child's lips become bluish
	Your child is not drinking
	Your child is acting very sick
	Nasal secretions turn green/yellow for more than 24 hours
	Fever over 100 for more than 72 hours

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