All about bronchiolitis  causes of bronchiolitis symptoms of bronchiolitis diagnosis of bronchiolitis treatment for bronchiolitis prevention of bronchiolitis |
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What're the symptoms of bronchiolitis?
The symptoms of bronchiolitis include wheezing, caused by the narrowing of the bronchioles. This is similar to asthma, except that, since the narrowing is caused by swelling and mucus blockage, bronchodilators such as albuterol may not be as helpful as they are in an asthma exacerbation. Usually the child has a high-pitched sound on breathing out (wheezing). In most infants, the symptoms are mild; even though the infant may breathe somewhat rapidly and be very congested, he is alert, happy, and eating well. Other infants are more severely affected, breathing rapidly, shallowly, and with difficulty. Sometimes the child turns blue from a lack of oxygen. The rapid breathing creates a difficulty in drinking, which may result in dehydration. |
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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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