contributes to the development of bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis in children of different ages: causes, symptoms, treatment and other features. Causes of development and risk group

In a newborn child, immunity is often not fully formed, the respiratory organs may be underdeveloped, which can lead to frequent viral infections of the bronchioles and the occurrence of bronchiolitis. In the article we will deal in detail with the etiology, symptoms and methods of treating the disease.

Description of the disease

An inflammatory process that affects the lower respiratory tract, namely the small bronchi, and is accompanied by bronchial obstruction (blockage, resulting in impaired patency), is called bronchiolitis.

Bronchiolitis is fundamentally different from bronchitis. Firstly, medium and large bronchi suffer from bronchitis, and secondly, this pathology develops much more slowly. Bronchiolitis, on the other hand, spreads rapidly, affecting the terminal branches of the bronchial tree - bronchioles, the diameter of which does not exceed 1 mm. They are involved in filling the blood with oxygen, distributing the air flow into the alveolar ducts of the lungs, so their blockage (obstruction) leads to oxygen starvation and the development of shortness of breath.

Statistics show that bronchiolitis, as a rule, affects newborns. Most often, the disease overtakes a child aged 1.5 to 7 months, and in 95% of cases, bronchiolitis in infants appears after the flu or an acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI). Pediatricians believe that the cause of this complication is the fragile immunity of the newborn, which is unable to contain the spread of viruses in the body, as a result of which they are actively introduced deep into the walls of the bronchi.

According to statistics, boys are more susceptible to such complications than girls.

The disease is very dangerous not only by the rate of increase in symptoms, but also by the high mortality of children with untimely or unqualified medical care.

Causes

In addition to influenza and viruses, there are some other factors that provoke the appearance of bronchiolitis in newborns:

• predisposition of the child to allergies;
• excess weight of the baby due to malnutrition with a predominance of flour (high in fast carbohydrates) and dairy products in the diet, plus vitamin deficiency;
• metabolic disease;
• feeding with artificial mixtures;
• weak immunity from the first days of life;
• the birth of a child before the established obstetric dates;
• the presence of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases;
• congenital pathologies of the brain;
• growth of the thymus gland;
• poor living conditions: indoor pollution, dampness, mustiness, mold damage;
• smoking parents;
• being close to relatives and friends who attend school and preschool institutions and can potentially be carriers of the infection.

Types and forms

There are several types of disease. It depends on the pathogen, namely:

• Infectious. Caused by viruses. Just like that, very young children often get sick. As a rule, it develops as a complication after an untreated acute respiratory viral infection.
• Medical. It manifests itself against the background of taking certain medications.
• Respiratory. Occurs when harmful gases, dust, cigarette (tobacco) smoke enter the respiratory tract.
• Independent. In this case, it is difficult to identify the specific reasons why bronchiolitis develops in infants. Pathology can be paired with other pulmonary and lymphatic diseases, or independent.
• Constructive. Severe viral disease caused by progressive obstruction of the bronchioles.

There are also acute and chronic bronchiolitis:

• in the chronic course of the disease, significant structural changes are observed in the lungs and bronchioles. In this situation, the thinnest branches of the bronchial tree gradually narrow, which can lead to their complete closure. This is a life-threatening condition;
• the acute form manifests itself against the background of a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Differs in rapid development. Symptoms are observed immediately after infection and progressively increase. The disease can last for several months and become chronic.

Symptoms

Acute bronchiolitis in infants is manifested by the following symptoms:

• loss of appetite or its absence;
• pale skin with a bluish tint;
• increased sweating;
• the child mopes, does not sleep well;
• high temperature rises;
• stuffy nose, runny nose;
• the baby rarely pees, experiences dryness in the oral cavity, cries without tears;
• there is a cough, sometimes with sputum;
• wheezing during breathing, shortness of breath are clearly audible;
• rapid breathing and heartbeat are observed;
• the baby rushes around the crib, spins in his arms, cannot find a place for himself due to the fact that he does not have enough oxygen.

With bronchiolitis, spontaneous respiratory arrest (apnea) can occur. It occurs more often in premature babies.

At the beginning of the disease, acute bronchiolitis is easily confused with ARVI because of the characteristic manifestations: nasal congestion in crumbs and a runny nose, sore throat, fever, and as a result, the child feels unwell. After a couple of days, coughing, wheezing (noisy, clearly labored breathing) and shortness of breath appear. The wheezing is so strong that even a person without a medical education can hear them without a phonendoscope. The general condition of the baby is rapidly deteriorating, sweating increases.

During the course of the disease, mucus accumulates in the lumen of the bronchioles, closing the passages in the bronchi

Mucus plugs lead to shortness of breath and poor ventilation. So, if bronchial spasm is observed during obstructive bronchitis, then during acute bronchiolitis in a child, poor airway patency is provoked by swelling of the walls of the bronchioles and accumulation of mucus in the passages.

Lung aeration and gas exchange are maintained by increased respiratory rate, but not for long. When respiratory failure increases, there is a lack of oxygen and an excess of carbon dioxide, swelling of the lungs begins.

With rapid diagnosis and proper treatment of acute bronchiolitis, the pathology disappears within 3 to 4 days, while bronchial obstruction is observed for another couple of weeks.

During chronic bronchiolitis in newborns, the main symptom is shortness of breath with an intense increase and dry cough.

It should be summarized and noted that the main difference between bronchiolitis is acute respiratory failure, which is extremely dangerous due to the risk of suffocation, and in the worst case, death can occur. Therefore, a child with a suspicion of such a pathology should be quickly diagnosed and, based on its results, promptly provided with professional medical assistance.

Diagnosis and treatment

To make a correct diagnosis, a comprehensive examination is necessary, consisting of the following stages:

• listening with a stethoscope;
• general urine and blood tests;
• swab from the nasopharynx;
• chest x-ray;
• in a severe case - a tomogram of the lungs.

Children under 1 year old must be hospitalized to avoid complications.

The appointment is carried out depending on the severity of the condition of the crumbs, but the basis of treatment must include:

• blood oxygen saturation;
• taking antibiotics, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as drugs that relieve pulmonary edema;
• inhalation with a nebulizer, as this is the fastest way to "deliver" the drug to the site of inflammation;
• monitoring the amount of fluid in the body and taking diuretic drugs. Control of fluid intake is mandatory in this situation, because. bronchiolitis in infants provokes a serious fluid retention, which leads to severe swelling of the bronchi.

It is important to understand that during a child’s illness it is strictly forbidden:

• treat the baby at home without qualified supervision of a pediatrician or just wait for the condition to improve;
• independently prescribe medications to the child;
• give decoctions of herbs, tk. this can further provoke shortness of breath;
• put the child compresses, mustard plasters and apply warming ointments.

Be sure to remember that within 5-6 months after the disease should not be vaccinated, as the child's immunity is still weakened.

Important! Bronchiolitis in infants is a very serious disease that can lead to the death of an infant in just a week.

Complications

Bronchiolitis results in heart and respiratory failure. This is especially true for premature babies and children with weakened immune systems.

Against the background of the disease and the general weakening of the body, a secondary bacterial infection may join, which will lead to pneumonia. Also, among the complications, bronchial asthma is often observed.

It should be noted that even after complete elimination of bronchiolitis, the sensitivity of the bronchi to infections and the tendency to relapse remain.

Therefore, after recovery, observation by a pediatrician, allergist and pulmonologist is simply necessary for at least six months.

Prevention

It is known that the disease is easier not to let on the threshold than to cure. Therefore, good baby care, breastfeeding, timely and competent complementary foods, outdoor walks, gymnastics and developmental exercises will help parents strengthen the child’s immunity, and therefore protect him from many diseases, including bronchiolitis.

Pediatricians give general advice on how to prevent bronchiolitis in infants:

• seek medical help in a timely manner so as not to start severe respiratory diseases;
• provide the child with a fortified and balanced diet;
• if possible, avoid communication with other patients with ARVI as much as possible;
• avoid contact with allergens;
• maintain cleanliness in the house;
• to exclude tobacco smoke near the child.

Bronchiolitis is a complex disease for young children that requires timely and competent treatment. The disease should never be ignored. Contacting doctors at the initial stage and proper therapy will reduce the risk of possible complications and the transformation of the disease into a chronic stage, as well as help to get rid of the pathology forever and without consequences.

When a child is sick, parents always worry. Of particular concern arises if the doctor makes a diagnosis that is not the most popular, for example, bronchiolitis. What is this disease and how does it manifest itself?

Causes of the disease

Experts consider respiratory syncytial virus the leading causative agent of acute bronchiolitis.

Bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the smallest branches of the bronchi - bronchioles. This disease most often affects children under 3 years of age. More than 60% of young patients are boys.

By the nature of the course, the disease happens:

• acute - lasts no more than 5 weeks,
• chronic - delayed for 3 months or longer.

The culprit in acute bronchiolitis in most cases is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Likewise, this infection likes to "roam" in the cold season - from October to April. However, unlike the common cold, RSV strikes not at the upper, but at the lower respiratory tract.

Infection, as a rule, occurs by airborne droplets. This means that the virus is transferred from sick people to healthy people through sneezing, communication. Less commonly, the infection is transmitted through dirty hands, shared towels, toys.

In a small number of children, other microorganisms become the causative agents of the disease:

• flu viruses,
• adenoviruses,
• parainfluenza,
• mycoplasmas.

Chronic bronchiolitis can develop as a consequence of acute, but usually it is an independent disease caused by prolonged inhalation of irritating gases. Very often, this disease is found in babies living in smoking families.

The rapid development of inflammation contribute to:

• low weight baby
• weakened immunity,
• age under 3 months
• diseases of the cardiovascular system,
• congenital malformations of the respiratory tract,
• visiting a nursery/kindergarten,
• smoking of parents in the presence of the baby.

Among newborns, children who are bottle-fed are more likely to get sick. Their body is more susceptible to infections due to the fact that it does not receive antibodies from mother's milk.

Clinical picture

The initial symptoms of the disease are similar to or colds. Babies have a dry cough and a fever. After a few days, the condition worsens. The temperature continues to rise (up to 39 degrees), appetite decreases. But most importantly, respiratory failure develops.

Inhaling the air, the child wheezes, the wings of the nose swell and the nasolabial triangle turns blue. Shortness of breath, palpitations are added. After severe bouts of coughing, vomiting may occur. Babies have the hardest time, because due to the anatomical features of the chest, they are not able to cough properly.

In severe cases, there are:

• "chest swelling,
• sudden breath holding (apnea)
• swelling.

Development can become a dangerous complication of the disease.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis, it is enough for the doctor to examine the child and listen to the complaints of the parents. To distinguish bronchiolitis from other conditions (such as pneumonia), your doctor may order a chest x-ray.

The causative agent of the disease is identified by a general blood test. In viral infections, the results show an increased number of lymphocytes and monocytes. Below the norm is the content of neutrophils. With bacterial infections, the number of leukocytes and neutrophils increases.

To detect respiratory syncytial virus, express diagnostic methods are used. As a material for analysis, swabs from the nasal cavity are taken. They are applied to special test systems that react to the presence of RSV by changing color.

In case of severe shortness of breath, pulse oximetry is performed - a study that helps determine the degree of blood oxygen saturation. Values ​​below 95% indicate respiratory failure.

Therapy Methods

The child is prescribed ultrasonic inhalations with saline, and in severe cases - with corticosteroids.

With bronchiolitis, the child must be hospitalized. Treatment tactics are aimed at maintaining normal breathing and preventing complications.

When RSV is detected, a specific antiviral agent is prescribed - Ribavirin. It blocks the reproduction of the pathogen and prevents the further development of the disease.

If a bacterial infection has been established, the child is prescribed antibiotics. Preference is given to drugs from the group of penicillins and cephalosporins (Ampicillin, Cefotaxime). Medicines are administered intramuscularly for 7-10 days.

If necessary, the doctor recommends sputum thinners (mucolytics - Ambroxol, Bromhexine). To facilitate the discharge of mucus, they are also prescribed. In severe cases, inhalations with corticosteroids (Dexamethasone) are added, which have an anti-inflammatory effect.

In addition to medicines, a mixture of oxygen and helium is given through a mask. This reduces the manifestations of respiratory failure and improves the patient's well-being.

Since babies lose a lot of fluid due to rapid breathing, they are shown to drink plenty of fluids. Liquids give 2 times more than the daily requirement. If the child refuses to drink, he is given a saline solution through a dropper.

Within 5 years after suffering bronchiolitis in children, a high susceptibility of the bronchi to the action of negative factors remains. Such babies are more prone to bronchitis and bronchial asthma, therefore, they require long-term observation by a specialist.

The child's immune system is not fully developed, so they susceptible to various diseases. Bronchiolitis in children occurs and develops for certain reasons.

This disease affects the respiratory system of the body, affects negatively not only the respiratory system, but the work of the whole organism. To help the child, it is necessary to start treatment as early as possible.

Concept and characteristics

Bronchiolitis is acute inflammatory disease affecting the lower respiratory tract. First of all, the bronchioles, which are the smallest end bifurcations of the bronchi in the lung lobules, suffer.

The disease is characterized by symptoms of respiratory failure, impaired pulmonary ventilation.

Most often, the disease occurs in autumn and winter, when the child's immunity is weakened.

Causes of development and risk group

The main causes of the onset and development of the disease are:

1. Viral infection. Penetrates into the body of the child, begins to actively influence the body, which leads to pathology.
2. low immunity. If the child's body is weakened, unable to resist, the disease develops quickly.
3. An incompletely developed respiratory system child. The protective properties are poorly developed, so the virus easily enters the body and develops.
4. The child's tendency to Increases the likelihood of bronchiolitis several times.
5. Unfavorable living conditions for the child's body: dampness, cold, lack of hygiene, dirt. Significantly increase the likelihood of disease.
6. Artificial feeding. Reduces the protective properties of the child's body and increases the likelihood of bronchiolitis.

The risk group includes newborns, babies whose immune system is just being formed.

Children at this age are vulnerable to infections, viruses. If harmful microorganisms have entered the baby's body, the reaction will occur instantly.

The child will immediately fall ill. Newborns and babies tolerate the disease very hard Therefore, they need increased attention from parents and doctors.

What are the causes of bronchiolitis in young children? At an early age, pathology appears due to an immature immune system. The body is weakened, so it is easily attacked by infections.

Often the disease occurs in premature babies whose respiratory system is not fully developed. In this case, it is easier for pathogens to enter the body and have a negative impact.

Forms and classification

Specialists distinguish two forms of pathology:

• acute. Appears due to infection, develops rapidly. Lasts up to five months, then disappears or becomes chronic;
• chronic. There are qualitative changes in the bronchioles and lungs. The lumen is greatly narrowed, blockage may occur, which greatly complicates breathing, which can lead to a lack of oxygen.

Depending on the pathogen, there are several types of the disease:

How is bronchopulmonary dysplasia treated in premature babies? find out right now.

Obliterating features

The features of the pathology include:

1. Dyspnea. It can occur even at rest.
2. The presence of dry unproductive cough. Sometimes there is mucus.
3. Rattling, whistling when breathing.
4. There is a narrowing of the lumen of the small bronchi and bronchioles. This leads to impaired pulmonary circulation, which leads to the development of the pathological process in the lungs.

Bronchiolitis obliterans is a chronic form of bronchiolitis. It is difficult to tolerate, leads to serious diseases not only of the respiratory system, but also of the cardiovascular system.

Clinical picture and symptoms

Experts refer to the symptoms of the disease:

Consequences and complications

If the disease is not treated, it may develop complications and side effects:

• cardiovascular insufficiency;
• pulmonary hypertension;
• emphysema;
• prolonged pauses in breathing;
• kidney failure;
• pneumonia.

Treatment Methods

How to treat bronchiolitis in children? To eliminate the pathology, different methods of treatment are used. First of all, drugs are prescribed:

• Ribavirin;
• Anaferon.

These medicines are antiviral. They fight harmful microorganisms, stop the development of the disease. Give them to the child should be one tablet 2-3 times a day. The duration of the medication is prescribed by the doctor.

If the disease is caused by pathogens bacteria must be taken:

• Macrofoam;
• Clarithromycin.

These medicines are very effective, so the dosage is determined by the doctor. Usually patients take one tablet 1-2 times a day.

It is taken one teaspoon 2-3 times a day. With its help, it is possible to relieve swelling, cough, stop the development of the disease. The duration of the drug prescribed by a doctor.

Folk remedies

You can treat a child not only with medicines, but also with folk remedies, which are no less effective..

Help to recover carrot juice. To do this, fresh carrots are washed, peeled, chopped on a grater.

Juice is extracted from the pulp. It is diluted in equal parts with warm boiled water. Add to the solution two teaspoons of honey. The finished medicine is taken one tablespoon 3-4 times a day before meals.

Fighting disease coltsfoot infusion. To do this, mix a few leaves of the plant and a glass of boiling water. The solution is infused for thirty minutes, then filtered. The finished product is consumed two tablespoons 2-3 times a day.

To do this, fatty and fried foods, sweets and pastries are excluded from the diet. You need to add more fruits, vegetables, vegetable soups, vitamin teas to the menu. If the chest is sick mother follows the diet.

Prevention

This disease causes harm to the child's body, accompanied by unpleasant symptoms. Treat the child as soon as possible, otherwise there will be complications, negative consequences.

Lecture on bronchiolitis in young children in this video:

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Respiratory diseases are very common in children, especially infants and newborns are susceptible to them, which is explained by the not yet fully formed immune system. One of the diseases affecting the lungs is bronchiolitis. How to quickly recognize the pathology and provide the child with qualified assistance?

What is bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is an acute inflammatory disease of the lower respiratory tract, which affects the bronchioles - the final smallest bifurcation of the bronchi in the lung lobules. Pathology is accompanied by symptoms of respiratory failure, or bronchial obstruction, and clinical signs similar to those of acute respiratory viral infections.

Bronchial obstruction is a clinical syndrome that is characterized by impaired pulmonary ventilation and difficulty in mucus discharge.

Bronchiolitis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the bronchioles

Most often, the disease is provoked by viruses, and the peak of cases of its development occurs in the autumn-winter period. Diagnosis of bronchiolitis today is not difficult, but ignoring the disease can lead to serious complications.

Classification and causes of the disease

Depending on the cause that provoked the development of the disease, the following types of bronchiolitis are distinguished:

• post-infectious. Most often diagnosed at an early age. Infection occurs by airborne droplets;
• inhalation. It is found in children who are forced to constantly inhale tobacco smoke;
• drug. May develop after a course of antibiotic therapy;
• obliterating. It has the most severe course. It is extremely rare in children;
• idiopathic. It is combined with other pathological conditions, such as lymphoma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and others.

Children who are prone to allergic reactions are more prone to bronchiolitis than others.

According to the nature of the course of the disease, it is customary to distinguish:

1. Acute bronchiolitis - develops within 2-3 days after infection, with a pronounced clinical picture. The acute period of the disease lasts 5-7 days.
2. Chronic - as a result of prolonged exposure to negative factors, bronchiole tissues undergo destructive changes. In most cases, it develops in older children.

Causes and pathogens of the disease at an early age - table

Type of bronchiolitis	Pathogen / Cause
Post-infectious	respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); adenovirus; influenza virus, parainfluenza; mumps virus; rhinovirus; virus.
inhalation	gas (carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, etc.); evaporation of acids; tobacco smoke; dust, etc.
Drug	Preparations containing the following active ingredients: penicillin; interferon; cephalosporins; bleomycin; amiodarone.
obliterating	cytomegalovirus; legionella; HIV infection; herpes virus; Klebsiella, etc.
idiopathic	cause unknown

Risk factors

There are a number of factors that significantly increase the risk of developing bronchiolitis in children:

• the age of the child is up to 3 months;
• prematurity;
• low weight of the newborn;
• improper treatment of respiratory diseases in a baby;
• the presence of other diseases of the lungs or pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
• immunodeficiency states;
• hypothermia.

The fact that this disease mainly affects young children is explained by the following:

1. The bronchial tree in infants is not yet fully formed, so inflammation of even a small number of bronchioles can lead to serious consequences for the child.
2. unprotected immune system. Interferon and immunoglobulin A in the respiratory organs are produced in insufficient quantities.

Symptoms and signs

The first manifestations of acute bronchiolitis are:

• nasal congestion;
• cough.

Then the disease spreads to the small bronchi, the following symptoms join:

• irritability;
• lethargy;
• rapid breathing;
• dry wheezing;
• weight loss associated with the refusal of the child to eat;
• shortness of breath, which greatly interferes with eating.

The patient's condition is rapidly deteriorating.

Early bronchiolitis is the easiest to treat, and in the late form of the disease, symptoms can persist for more than 3 months.

As for chronic bronchiolitis, shortness of breath is its constant companion. Body temperature constantly rises and falls. Weakness is observed, sputum is released when coughing, the skin has a bluish tint. The fingers become like drumsticks.

Features of the disease in infants and newborns

The most common cases of bronchiolitis are children under the age of one year. Infants carry this disease much harder, so when the first signs appear, you should seek medical help.

In babies, including newborns, the following symptoms are noted:

• attacks of asphyxia (temporary cessation of breathing);
• watery discharge from the nose;
• cough;
• difficulty breathing (a sick child makes considerable efforts to exhale);
• lack of appetite;
• retraction of a large fontanel (against the background of dehydration);
• an increase in body temperature up to 39 degrees;
• excessive arousal or, conversely, drowsiness.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made by a pulmonologist on the basis of a physical examination and auscultation (listening).

When examining patients with bronchiolitis, the doctor pays attention to the frequency and nature of breathing, the presence of cyanosis of the skin, retraction of compliant places in the chest (gaps between the ribs and near the collarbones), and the duration of exhalation.

With an increased risk of complications, additional examinations are prescribed, in particular:

• biochemical and general blood tests (with bronchiolitis there is an increase in the number of leukocytes);
• general urine analysis;
• bacteriological examination of mucus from the nose and throat (to exclude the bacterial nature of the disease);
• CT scan;
• spirometry, or spirography (allows you to measure the volume of the respiratory system);
• blood gas analysis (performed to detect insufficient oxygen supply to the body);
• chest x-ray (to exclude acute pulmonary emphysema).

Treatment of bronchiolitis in children

The essence of therapy is to eliminate respiratory failure and overcome the infection. In the acute course of the disease, it is necessary to hospitalize the child in the hospital.

Treatment of bronchiolitis requires an integrated approach and includes:

1. Bed rest (until body temperature returns to normal).
2. Limiting the amount of liquid consumed by the child.
3. Medical therapy, in particular:
   • antiviral agents (ribavirin);
   • expectorant drugs (Lazolvan, Bromhexine);
     

     Such drugs should not be used in the treatment of infants, as this can lead to blockage of the bronchi with mucus.

   • saline solutions (Otrivin Baby);
   • bronchodilators;
   • inhalation with corticosteroids;
   • antibacterial drugs (Sumamed, Macropen, Clarithromycin).
     

     Antibiotic therapy is indicated only if the bacterial nature of bronchiolitis is detected. Appointed at the discretion of the attending physician.

4. Breathing exercises. It is necessary to do light pressure on the chest and tummy of the baby as you exhale.
5. Vibration massage, which consists in light tapping movements with the edge of the palm in the direction from the lower part of the chest upwards. At the same time, the baby is laid in such a way that the butt is slightly higher than the head.
6. Oxygen therapy (for the elimination of respiratory distress syndrome).

Since bronchiolitis is transmitted by airborne droplets, the patient should be isolated. As a rule, when the baby's appetite is restored, body temperature returns to normal and there is no need for oxygen therapy, the child is released from the hospital home.

Drugs for the treatment of diseases - gallery

Prognosis and possible complications

With timely diagnosis of the disease and compliance with all doctor's recommendations, treatment has a favorable prognosis. Otherwise, the following complications may occur:

• pulmonary hypertension;
• cardiovascular insufficiency;
• prolonged pauses in breathing;
• emphysema;
• kidney failure;
• bronchial asthma;
• pneumonia.

Complications of bronchiolitis are most often observed in premature babies, as well as in those who suffer from chronic heart or lung diseases.

Prevention

To avoid bronchiolitis, you must:

• exclude contacts of healthy children with patients;
• harden the child, provide him with good nutrition and organize a healthy daily routine;
• monitor the condition of the baby's nasopharynx, clean it from crusts and remove mucus;
• avoid hypothermia;
• timely treat infectious and viral diseases;
• avoid crowded places during SARS outbreaks.

Dr. Komarovsky about cough in children - video

Bronchiolitis is a serious disease that often occurs in young children. Timely diagnosis and competent treatment will help to avoid serious complications. Therefore, if the first symptoms occur, consult a doctor immediately. Health to you and your baby!

Bronchiolitis is an inflammatory process that takes place in the respiratory canals, resulting in partial or complete blockage of the bronchioles and small bronchi. Why young children develop this disease, how to distinguish bronchiolitis from other diseases of the bronchopulmonary system, and what methods medicine uses to diagnose and treat this disease, read the article.

Why children of early age and older develop bronchiolitis: the main reasons

It is believed that infants and children under 3 years of age are most often affected by this disease. This is due to the fact that children of this age have not yet fully strengthened the immune system. Parents should be especially careful in late autumn and early winter, doctors say that it is at this time that the peak of this disease is observed. The most vulnerable are children who are prone to allergic reactions. The disease is caused by a virus or bacterial-viral infection.

Factors that provoke the development of bronchiolitis:

• poisoning or any intoxication of the child's body;
• heart or lung transplant surgery, after which complications appear;
• the presence of mycoplasma in the body of a child;
• connective tissue disorders;
• inflammatory processes of the digestive system;
• conducting radiation therapy;
• hypothermia of the body;
• cold air entering the respiratory tract.

Various children may encounter such factors, but many children's organisms resist the viruses of this disease well.

A child is at risk for bronchiolitis if:

• the weight of the baby is very small;
• the child is on artificial feeding;
• baby under 3 months old
• have chronic or congenital diseases of the heart and respiratory tract;
• for some reason, the child's immune system is weakened;
• the baby grows up in a smoking family.

Types of bronchiolitis in children: signs of acute and obliterating forms of the disease

Types of bronchiolitis in children:

• inhalation- bronchiolitis, which was formed as a result of inhalation of dust, gases and all kinds of chemicals.
• Drug- appears as a result of drugs that are taken for any other disease. Interferon, bleomycin, cephalosporin should be especially carefully taken.
• Post-infectious - Viruses can enter the respiratory tract, causing this disease. It is transmitted by airborne droplets, it is most common in children.
• obliterating- such bronchiolitis is provoked by other viral diseases, such as herpes, HIV, pneumocystitis and others. Its course is considered the most difficult.
• idiopathic The cause of this bronchiolitis cannot be determined. It is combined with other diseases (lymphoma, iliopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and others).

Bronchiolitis can occur in acute and chronic form:

• In acute illness, the child may be sick for a month or less. Symptoms are pronounced. In this case, the baby has a sharp deterioration in the condition, an acute problem with breathing.
• In the chronic form, the symptoms are mild, noticeable only with careful monitoring of the state of health. The duration of the disease can stretch up to 3 months or more.

The most severe is obliterating bronchiolitis in an acute form. Most often, they fall ill with children from 2 to 6 months, sometimes up to 1 year. To provide prompt assistance, you need to know the signs of this disease.

Signs of bronchiolitis obliterans:

• breathing problems are clearly visible - there is shortness of breath, strong inhalation of air, groans;
• cases of apnea - respiratory arrest are not excluded;
• the baby refuses to eat;
• refusal of water;
• the child's skin becomes pale, with a bluish tint;
• crying, restless sleep, agitated state;
• urination rare;
• bouts of dry cough;
• while the temperature is not too high.

With these signs, it is necessary to get the help of pediatricians as soon as possible.

How to determine bronchiolitis in a child: diagnostic methods

In order to start treatment, it is necessary to make a correct diagnosis. In the case of bronchiolitis, an x-ray will not help, since this disease does not impose changes on the lungs and this method is not effective. To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to rely on the main symptoms, and a number of studies are carried out to confirm the presumptive diagnosis.

Diagnostic methods for determining bronchiolitis

• Ascultation (listening to the patient to detect wheezing).
• . In this case, the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood is considered. With illness, the right balance is disturbed. With the help of the same analysis, information is obtained on ESR, hypoxemia and leukocytosis.
• Percussion (tapping with fingers) in order to reveal the nature of the sound.

How to distinguish bronchiolitis from asthma and pneumonia during diagnosis?

In order not to confuse bronchiolitis with pneumonia or asthma, differential diagnosis is carried out. It is as follows:

1. Identification of acute respiratory infections in people who surround a sick child (it is the acute respiratory infections of others that cause the baby's illness).
2. Identification of an allergic history (if, for example, parents suffer from asthma, then the child may have the same disease).
3. The child is prescribed a r-adrenergic. The reaction of the child to treatment with this drug shows whether he has asthma.
4. An x-ray is taken. He does not show bronchiolitis, but pneumonia can be ruled out, or its manifestation can be detected. X-rays are effective for detecting pneumonia.
5. A blood test is done to further confirm or disprove asthma.

Which is worse bronchiolitis, pneumonia or obstructive bronchitis: what's the difference?

Effective treatments for bronchiolitis in children

Due to the fact that bronchiolitis is a disease of very young children, its self-treatment is extremely dangerous. Regardless of the form of the disease (acute or chronic), only a doctor should prescribe treatment.

It is the doctor who will be able to choose the right methods that will be most productive at this particular age and with a certain severity of the disease. If the child is in an acute form of the disease, he is hospitalized. If the form of bronchiolitis is mild, home treatment is prescribed.

Treatment of bronchiolitis consists of the following steps:

1. For treatment, the doctor uses drugs aimed at eliminating the underlying cause of the disease. For this, drugs are prescribed that are harmful to the virus or bacteria, depending on the origin of the disease.
2. After eliminating the causes, the eradication of symptoms begins - the cough itself is eliminated. Inhalations are very effective (ultrasonic nebulizers are used), mucolytic drugs, oxygen masks. At the same time, the child must be given plenty of fluids (2 times more than usual).
3. After the child is fully restored, the doctor prescribes preventive measures that parents must take (hardening, mandatory regimen, proper nutrition, prevention of hypothermia of the child).