Bronchiolitis in infants

Bronchiolitis in infants: Deep cough and shortness of breath

Bronchiolitis is an acute viral infection that affects the smallest airways in the lungs — the bronchioles. This disease is the "calling card" of children in their first year of life and the most common reason for their hospitalization during the autumn-winter period. Although the name sounds similar to "bronchitis", these are completely different diseases in terms of course and level of danger for infants.

What happens in the lungs?

Bronchiolitis is most often caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Upon entering the body, the virus triggers strong inflammation and swelling of the bronchiolar mucosa. This is accompanied by the production of a large amount of thick mucus. Since the bronchioles in infants have a diameter of less than a millimeter, this swelling and mucus practically completely block their lumen, leading to difficult breathing.

Disease course

Bronchiolitis usually starts as a common cold:

• During the first 1-3 days the child shows runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough.
• On day 3-5 the condition worsens: the cough becomes frequent, dry and persistent, signs of respiratory distress appear — rapid breathing, wheezing on exhalation, retractions of the chest wall.
• The child finds it difficult to eat, refusing the breast or bottle because they cannot suck and breathe simultaneously.

Why is it dangerous for infants?

Because of the risk of developing severe respiratory distress and dehydration (due to inability to eat normally), children with bronchiolitis often require hospitalization for oxygen support and intravenous fluid administration. There is no specific treatment against the RSV virus; therapy is supportive. Your task is to closely monitor the child's breathing and, at the first sign of shortness of breath, seek medical help immediately.