Unlike bronchitis, bronchiolitis is a viral disease that affects children under the age of 2. See the symptoms of the condition
Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that affects the lower respiratory tract of children and children under the age of 24. The disease is more frequent in the colder stations of the year, such as autumn and winter. This is because the decline in temperatures is in favor of the proliferation of the respiratory syual virus (VSR), which can cause the disease.
It is worth clarifying that the term bronchiolitis is often confused with bronchitis, a disease that affects adults and children of over 2 years and is given by the inflammation of the bronchi. Bronchiolitis, however, affects under 2 years, underlines Dr. Gabriel Farias, director of the pediatric intensive care of the San Gonçalo hospital (HCSG) and the ICARAí hospital.
Symptoms of bronchiolite
According to the doctor, the first symptoms of bronchiolitis seem those of a common cold. That is, cough, nose that colas and nasal obstruction. In the most serious cases, however, the child can have fever, respiratory discomfort (effort to breathe) and even the need for additional oxygen.
“The most serious form of bronchiolitis, called Bronchiolito Oblitear, can lead the patient to the need for mechanical ventilation and hospitalization in intensive care. Therefore, it is important to identify and monitor the symptoms since the beginning of the condition”, warns the expert.
Gabriel stresses that bronchiolite is one of the main causes of hospitalization in children up to 24 months. “It is also important to remember that the condition tends to worsen the curve, with the peak of the fifth day of illness. Therefore, it is important that families are well informed,” he says.
Treatment
The doctor explains that there is no specific medicine for bronchiolitis. This is because it is a viral and car disease -the usual. “The treatment consists in damaging the symptoms, both through nasal washing, aspiration of the secretions and, in some cases, which offer oxygen,” he concludes.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
