Alton Street Surgery Patient Information Leaflet

Bronchiolitis

What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a seasonal disease usually occurring between late November and early March. It is normally caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a virus which infects the bronchioles, the tiny air passages deep in the lungs. Bronchiolitis should not be confused with bronchitis, which is an infection of the larger upper airways in the lung.

Who gets bronchiolitis?
Although the condition can occur in elderly people, it most commonly affects babies in the first year of their lives. This is a time when young infants are particularly vulnerable to infection, as their immune systems are not yet fully developed. In young babies, the immune system can over-react to infection, sending so many white blood cells to fight the virus that the walls of the airways swell. This prevents air from moving in and out of the lungs, causing breathing problems, and sometimes actually damaging the lung tissues.

What are the symptoms?
Before their first birthday, about 60% of all babies will become infected with RSV. Up to a third of these children will go on to develop bronchiolitis, with the initial snuffles and coughs being accompanied by a fever; breathing becoming fast and shallow, and feeding proving difficult. Most babies recover quickly at home, but some will develop severe bronchiolitis. In these cases, a child may not be able to feed at all, and will have a bluish tinge to the lips or complexion. This is caused by oxygen shortage, and is a sign that urgent medical treatment is required.

What treatment is available?
At present there is no effective cure for bronchiolitis. However, there are ways to help babies fight off the infection. Most babies will just require delicate care, with regular paracetamol for any fever, and fluids and rest. If breathing is laboured making the child lethargic, distressed, or affecting the ability to feed, it is important to seek professional advice. A minority of babies will require supportive care in hospital.

Babies who are mildly affected will be able to stay at home, and most will recover within a week. Most children with bronchiolitis make a full recovery.
Useful sources of information:
Action Research, Vincent House, North Parade, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 2DP
Tel: 01403 21046 Fax: 01403 210541
E-mail: info@actionresearch.co.uk
Website: http://www.actionresearch.co.uk

This patient information leaflet has been adapted from an original published by Clinnix Pro, Synigence PLC, who are grateful to Action Research for permission to use information from its publications.