Many babies have a cough in infancy, sometimes accompanied by wheezing, and that baby is probably suffering from wheezy bronchitis. How to prevent and treat it properly?
What is wheezing bronchitis?
Asthmatic bronchitis is an infection of the fine bronchi in the lungs, so it is also called capillary bronchitis. When the fine bronchi become infected, the fine bronchi become swollen and full of mucus (as shown in the picture below: the red part of the fine bronchi is swollen and the green part is mucus), which causes wheezing and even breathing difficulties in babies.
Wheezing bronchitis usually occurs in babies under 2 years of age and most babies get better on their own, but some babies need to see a doctor; wheezing bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection, one of the most common viruses being respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
What are the symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis?
The symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis are similar to those of a cold at first and usually start with the following symptoms.
1. Nasal congestion or runny nose;
2. Cough;
3. Fever;
4. Poor appetite.
As the bronchitis progresses, the baby may experience the following symptoms.
1. shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, and in small infants, even temporary pauses in breathing;
2. wheezing, or a whistling sound when breathing (usually lasting 7 days);
3, continuous cough (lasting 14 days or more);
4. Reluctance to eat or drink;
Under what circumstances does a baby need to see a doctor?
1.Baby less than 3 months old has fever greater than 38℃;
2.Baby older than 3 months has a temperature of more than 38℃ for more than 3 days;
3.Baby has trigeminal signs (neck and chest depression with breathing)
4.The baby’s urine is less (compared with the usual number of diaper changes);
5.The baby’s spirit is very poor;
6.Hard to breathe or stop breathing;
7.Lips and skin color become pale or blue;
How is asthmatic bronchitis treated?
The main treatment for asthmatic bronchitis is to ensure that the baby gets enough oxygen, so the doctor may give the baby the following treatment.
1. Give the baby fine humidified air and oxygen;
2. dilate the baby’s airway with medication, usually nebulized;
3. Because most wheezing bronchitis is caused by a viral infection, antibiotic treatment is usually not needed.
What can parents do to make their babies more comfortable?
Parents can also take the following measures to make their babies comfortable.
1. Use a humidifier in the baby’s room;
2. Make sure the baby is sufficiently hydrated;
3.Control the body temperature (commonly used medications are Merlin and Tylenol);
4.Use a nasal aspirator to clear the baby’s nasal secretions;
5.Let the baby lie with the head tilted high;
6.Do not allow smoking near the baby.
Why do babies get wheezing bronchitis?
Because viruses are everywhere, plus babies under 2 years old are susceptible, and it happens when babies have been exposed to viruses.
Can I prevent wheezy bronchitis?
You can reduce your baby’s chances of getting wheezy bronchitis by.
1. Wash your hands before anyone touches your baby, and your baby should wash his or her hands often;
2. Keep your baby as far away from sick adults and children as possible;
3. Get you and your baby vaccinated against the flu during the season when you are susceptible.