Bronchiolitis - Picture, Symptoms, Cause and Treatment of Bronchiolitis
What is Bronchiolitis?Bronchitis (inflammation) affecting the bronchioles, the fine air passages that connect with the minute air sacs of the lungs where oxygen is given up to the blood circulation. This is a serious and potentially fatal condition, especially in young children and elderly persons. People commonly affected by BronchiolitisAll age groups and both sexes, especially infants and young children in whom it sometimes occurs in epidemics. Part of body involved with BronchiolitisBronchioles Symptoms of BronchiolitisBronchiolitis usually develops as a result of a cold or upper respiratory tract infection. The symptoms are respiratory distress characterized by labored, rapid, shallow breathing, constant hacking cough, flaring of the nostrils, wheezing and seesaw movements (called retractions) of the chest and abdomen. On listening to the chest, there are wheezing, crackling and bubbling sounds. The person may be feverish and restless or a child may be lethargic. Eventually the bronchioles and air sacs become blocked with secretions interfering with the passage of oxygen into the blood. The person shows signs of cyanosis with a bluish tinge to the skin, and death may follow from ASPHYXIA. In the young and old this can occur within 48 hours. A person with symptoms of bronchiolitis requires medical attention. Most patients can be treated at home under the doctor's supervision, but those showing signs of fatigue because of labored breathing, cyanosis or dehydration need to be admitted to hospital for intensive nursing.Treatment of BronchiolitisAt home, involves resting in bed, increasing the humidity in the air by means of steam or a humidifier to ease breathing, and drinking plenty of clear liquids. In hospital, oxygen is likely to be given by means of a tent or a face mask and fluids by intravenous drip. There may be a need for endotracheal intubation (a tube through the mouth or nose directly into the trachea) to deliver oxygen if the person is very ill. The secretions may have to be removed by postural drainage or suction through the trachea. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics if a secondary infection is present. Cause of BronchiolitisThe cause of the initial infection leading to bronchiolitis is normally a virus, especially respiratory syncytial virus or Para-influenza type 3 virus. Small children who have more than one attack of bronchiolitis may be more likely to develop ASTHMA and allergies. |
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