All about bronchiolitis  causes of bronchiolitis symptoms of bronchiolitis diagnosis of bronchiolitis treatment for bronchiolitis prevention of bronchiolitis |
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What causes bronchiolitis?
The most common cause of bronchiolitis is a virus, which is most frequently the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virus is transmitted from person-to-person by direct contact with nasal secretions or by airborne droplets. The virus is spread directly to mucous membranes when an infected person sneezes or coughs into another's face. It can be spread indirectly by hands that touch contaminated toys or tabletops and then touch the eyes or nose. Illness begins about 3 to 7 days later. Although RSV generally causes only mild symptoms in an adult, it can cause a severe illness in an infant. Bronchiolitis is more likely to happen to an infant who is a male aged between three and six months of age in winter who has not been breast-fed and who lives in a crowded house and who has to breathe in cigarette smoke from smokers also living in the house. |
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More information on bronchiolitis
What is bronchiolitis? - Bronchiolitis is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that usually affects infants. Bronchiolitis begins as a mild upper respiratory infection.
What causes bronchiolitis? - The most common cause of bronchiolitis is a virus. The virus is transmitted from person-to-person by direct contact with nasal secretions or by airborne droplets.
What're the symptoms of bronchiolitis? - The symptoms of bronchiolitis include wheezing, caused by the narrowing of the bronchioles. In most infants, the symptoms are mild.
How is bronchiolitis diagnosed? - Bronchiolitis is diagnosed solely on the history and physical examination of the child. Many tests may be ordered to rule out other diseases.
What's the treatment for bronchiolitis? - Most cases of bronchiolitis can be treated at home with self-care steps. Supportive therapy may include oxygen, humidified air, chest clapping.
How to prevent bronchiolitis? - Most cases of bronchiolitis are not readily preventable because the viruses that cause the disorder are common in the environment. |
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