COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES AND CONDITIONS

BRONCHIOLITIS/BRONCHITIS

Bronchiolitis is an infection of the bronchioles (small air passages in the lungs) and usually occurs in children under two years of age. It is primarily caused by the Respiratory Synctial Virus (RSV) from November - April. RSV is a common virus and affects babies more severely because they have smaller air passages. Since RSV is a virus and it doesn't respond to antibiotics, it's best to try to allevi­ate its symptoms: lots of upper respiratory congestion, fever, cough, and wheezing.

HOME CARE:

• Use normal saline nose drops (such as Ayr) liberally and a suction bulb
  (gently) to relieve congestion especially before feeding and bedtime.
• Give acetaminophen for fever. Please check the dosage chart on page 68 of this book.
• Run a cool mist vaporizer when he sleeps. Make sure to change the water in the vaporizer and clean it thoroughly every 2-3 days,
• Elevate the "head" end of the crib.
• Contact the office during regular hours prior to starting any decongestants if the child is under 4 months.

CALL THE DOCTOR DURING REGULAR OFFICE HOURS IF:

• The child is no better in 2-3 days.
• A persistent temperature of 102 degrees or higher is present longer than 24 hours in spite of the use of acetaminophen.
• Congestion, coughing, and/or wheezing interfere with eating or sleeping. Contact the doctor immediately if your child experiences rapid breathing, audible wheez­ing, or breathing difficulty.