Pediatrics Bronchiolitis - Symptoms & Treatment

Pediatrics Bronchiolitis is an cuspated infectious illness of the lower respiratory tract which occurs primarily in young newborns, most often in those aged 2-24 months. Bronchiolitis is usually because of a viral infection of the small airways (bronchioles). Infection is spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions. Infection of bronchiolar respiratory and ciliated epithelial cells produces maximised mucus secretion, cell death, and sloughing, followed by a peribronchiolar lymphocytic infiltrate and submucosal edema. The conjunction of debris and edema produces critical narrowing and obstruction of small airways. Decreased ventilation of regions of the lung causes ventilation/perfusion mismatching, resulting in hypoxia. During the expiratory stage of respiration, further dynamic narrowing of the airways produces disproportionate airflow decrease and consequence air trapping. Work of breathing is increased due to increased end-expiratory lung volume and decreased lung tractableness. Retrieval of pulmonary epithelial cells occurs after 3-4 days, but cilia do not regenerate for about 2 weeks. The debris is cleared by macrophages.

The most common cause of bronchiolitis is a virus, most typically the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virus causes inflammation and even death of the cells inside the respiratory tract. This leads to impediment of airflow in and out of the child's lungs. Peak episode of bronchiolitis usually occurs during winter months in temperate climates and during the rainy season in tropical climates. This narrowing results from inflammation (swelling) caused by a virus, generally the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV occurs in outbreaks almost every winter. While infants with RSV develop bronchiolitis.

Symptoms of Pediatrics Bronchiolitis

Common Symptoms of Pediatrics Bronchiolitis

Fever.

Increased work of breathing.

Wheezing.

Cyanosis.

Grunting.

Noisy breathing.

Vomiting..

Especially post-tussive.

Irritability.

Poor feeding or anorexia.

Treatment of Pediatrics Bronchiolitis

Common Treatment of Pediatrics Bronchiolitis

Antibiotics are not indicated unless bacterial infection is recommended (eg, toxic appearance, hyperpyrexia, consolidation or focal lobar infiltrates on chest radiograph, leukocytosis, positive bacterial cultures).

Breathing treatments, as ordered by your child's physician.

Albuterol, given by metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or nebulizer

Intravenous (IV) fluids if your child is unable to drink well.

Humidified oxygen should be administered if the oxygen saturation is less than 94% on room air.

Avoid medicolegal pitfalls.

Adequate hydration should be assessed by observing patient oral intake.

oxygen therapy

Injection may be given to help decrease the risks of getting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).