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Even if the techniques of drainage by respiratory physiotherapy are no longer recommended, the physiotherapist can check with the parents the good techniques of unblocking, and reassess the signs of gravity to guide the parents and advise them.
BRONCHIOLITIS – Bronchiolitis is an infection of the “bronchioles”which are the small tubes allowing oxygen to pass to the alveoli.
This infection is caused by a virus! Several viruses can give bronchiolitis but the most common virus and giving the most severe bronchiolitis is RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
It is caught through the air by being in contact with someone sick who is coughing or sneezing. It can also be given by the hands or contaminated objects.
The virus will thicken the bronchioles and fill them with mucus. Oxygen will then have more difficulty passing because the pipe will be tighter and more congested.
It is a benign disease, but it is necessary to know how to supervise because it can become serious if not taken in time.
How to recognize it?
It is a respiratory discomfort before the age of 1 year.
It starts with a common cold with a runny nose and a cough.
Then can follow a real difficulty breathing with signs of respiratory struggle.
It lasts an average of 5 to 10 days, and the first 3 days the symptoms can get worse quickly. The cough, it can persist several days to week afterwards.
When should you consult ?
Here is a mnemonic device.
TRACE
- Trespiratory irritation: beating of the wings of the nose, digging above the collarbones, between the ribs, are signs which prove that your child has difficulty breathing;
- Rrapidity of breathing: a baby breathing much faster than usual should call out to you;
- HASreduced feeding: a baby who greatly reduces his feeding should challenge you;
- VSdiscoloration of the skin: a child who is very pale or bluish in the lips or extremities should worry you;
- Edegraded general condition: a soft baby like a rag doll should challenge you, if he no longer plays, seems very tired, consult.
What is the treatement ?
The only treatment is nose washing. And this several times a day, with a syringe and saline solution, until the child has fought off the virus.
In addition, the feed must be divided: give less volume of milk but more often.
You will risk exhausting your baby by giving him the usual amounts.
There is no drug treatment. Antibiotics are not effective because it is not a bacteria.
Even if the techniques of drainage by respiratory physiotherapy are no longer recommended, the physiotherapist can check with the parents the good techniques of unblocking, and reassess the signs of seriousness to guide the parents and advise them.
How to avoid it?
By using barrier gestures! Wash your hands, put on a mask when you’re sick, and avoid walking through germ-filled malls with babies under 3 months old. For example, if we can avoid having the whole family come to the maternity ward in the middle of winter with sick grandpa and grandma, that’s great!
In conclusion :
Bronchiolitis is a very common disease, which is mild, but can become serious if taken lightly. Use barrier gestures, and if your baby falls ill, monitor his behavior, breathing and diet, and above all wash his nose repeatedly! Do not hesitate to consult your doctor in case of concern.
You can watch a video specifically dedicated to bronchiolitis on the PedUrg Instagram account.
See also on The HuffPost :
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