The unpredictable weather during seasonal changes, with alternating rain and sunshine and increased humidity, creates favorable conditions for the growth of bacteria and viruses. Children are particularly vulnerable to these pathogens, especially those that cause respiratory infections. Among them, bronchiolitis is one of the most common illnesses and can lead to serious complications if not detected and treated promptly.
Bronchiolitis in young children can lead to many serious complications.
What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory disease in infants and young children, particularly those aged 3 to 6 months. The condition occurs when the small airways (bronchioles) become inflamed and swollen, producing excess mucus that narrows or even blocks the child’s air passages.
Parents should not ignore early symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and mild to high fever. After about 3 to 5 days, the cough may worsen, and the child may develop shortness of breath or wheezing.
In severe cases, children may show signs of bluish discoloration (cyanosis) or even experience episodes of apnea (temporary breathing cessation). Upon examination, doctors often observe rapid breathing, moderate fever, chest retractions (indrawing of the chest wall), grunting sounds, and wheezing or crackling noises in the lungs, indicating poor air exchange.
As the illness progresses, the child’s cough becomes more frequent, often accompanied by wheezing and shortness of breath (rapid breathing, chest retractions). In more severe cases, the child may stop feeding and develop cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin). The symptoms can resemble those of asthma.
Typically, wheezing lasts for about seven days, and the cough gradually improves within two weeks if the child receives proper care. However, in about 20% of cases, symptoms may persist for several weeks.
Common complications of bronchiolitis include respiratory failure, pneumonia (due to secondary infection), lung collapse (atelectasis), and otitis media.
The disease tends to be more severe, prolonged, and complicated, with a higher risk of mortality in certain groups, including:
- Infants under 3 months of age
- Premature or low-birth-weight babies
- Children with severe malnutrition
- Those with underlying heart or lung disease
- Children with weakened immune systems
These high-risk children should be hospitalized early for monitoring and treatment. Additionally, bronchiolitis has a tendency to recur, especially in susceptible infants.
Causes of bronchiolitis in children
The main cause of bronchiolitis in young children is viral infection, with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the most common pathogen, responsible for 30–50% of cases.
RSV is highly contagious and can easily cause outbreaks. While adults and older children may only experience mild symptoms resembling a common cold, infants under two years old can develop severe bronchiolitis when infected.
Other viruses that can cause bronchiolitis include:
- Influenza virus (about 25% of cases)
- Adenovirus (about 10% of cases)
Children living in areas experiencing flu or respiratory infection outbreaks are at particularly high risk because their immune systems are still immature, especially those who are not fully breastfed.
Infants who have previously suffered from viral infections such as rhinitis, tonsillitis, or adenoiditis are also more susceptible to bronchiolitis if not properly cared for.
Children with congenital heart disease, chronic lung conditions, immune deficiencies, or those exposed to secondhand smoke face a significantly higher risk of developing severe bronchiolitis.
Studies also show a link between bronchiolitis and asthma. After an episode of bronchiolitis, a child’s airways become more sensitive, and about one-third of affected children may later develop asthma.
How to care for a child with bronchiolitis
If the illness is mild and the child has no complications or risk factors, care can be managed at home under medical supervision. Parents should continue breastfeeding or feeding the child adequately and ensure the child drinks plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. It is important to keep the child’s nose clear to make breathing and feeding easier. You can instill two to three drops of saline solution into each nostril and then gently clean the nose.
Give medication exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Avoid exposing the child to cigarette smoke, as it can worsen the condition and increase the risk of asthma later. Always take the child for follow-up visits as scheduled by the physician.
If the child shows severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, poor feeding, bluish discoloration, or complications, immediate hospitalization is necessary. In hospital care, doctors will clear the airways, remove secretions, and administer humidified bronchodilator nebulization using medications such as ventolin, bricanyl, or salbutamol. Respiratory physiotherapy, chest percussion, and sputum suction are also performed to help the child breathe better and recover more quickly.
Children with high fever, vomiting, or rapid breathing should receive an adequate supply of fluids and electrolytes according to their body’s needs. It is essential to ensure proper nutrition and to use antibiotics cautiously, only under medical supervision.
For severe cases with respiratory distress, treatment includes oxygen therapy, airway suction, humidified bronchodilator nebulization, and intravenous fluids and electrolytes to replace deficiencies.
If these measures do not improve respiratory function, endotracheal intubation and other advanced respiratory support techniques may be required. Antibiotics should only be used when there are clear signs of secondary bacterial infection, and steroids are not recommended for children with bronchiolitis.
Reader may also be interested in:
- Bronchitis in children: Early recognition and proper management of recurrent symptoms
- Pneumonia in children: Serious complications behind common symptoms
- Signs of pneumonia in newborns: How can it be prevented?
To prevent bronchiolitis, mothers are advised to breastfeed their children up to two years of age, keep the child warm, and maintain a clean, smoke-free living environment. Children with congenital heart or lung disease require special attention, as they are more susceptible to infection and may experience more severe disease progression.
The Pediatrics Department at Hong Ngoc General Hospital takes pride in being a trusted and reputable destination for the examination and treatment of newborns and young children, providing high-quality medical services that meet international standards.
Hong Ngoc Hospital offers outstanding advantages including:
- Highly qualified and experienced pediatricians who accurately diagnose conditions and provide effective, personalized treatment plans for each patient.
- Modern and fully equipped medical facilities such as X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, and ENT endoscopy systems. All machines are synchronized and imported from leading medical countries such as Japan, the UK, and the USA, ensuring clear imaging, early detection of internal lesions, and precise diagnosis.
- Seven facilities across Hanoi, including two hospitals and five clinics, providing convenient access and multiple options for families.
- Fast and efficient insurance procedures, accepting national health insurance (BHYT) and over 40 insurance guarantee partners. The hospital’s staff offer full assistance from A to Z, available 24/7 throughout the examination and hospitalization process.
- Five-star amenities, including free parking, complimentary buffet meals at Hong Ngoc Eatery, and a premium café area, ensuring comfort for both patients and families during their hospital experience.
Note: The information provided in this article by Hong Ngoc General Hospital is for reference purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. To accurately determine your child’s condition, please visit a hospital for a direct examination and personalized treatment plan from a qualified pediatrician.
PEDIATRICS DEPARTMENT – HONG NGOC GENERAL HOSPITAL
- 55 Yen Ninh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- No. 8 Chau Van Liem, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi
- 3rd Floor, Tower B, Tasco Mall, 07–09 Nguyen Van Linh, Long Bien, Hanoi
- 10th Floor, Keangnam Landmark 72, Pham Hung, Hanoi
- 1st Floor, TNL Plaza Goldseason, 47 Nguyen Tuan, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi
- 1st Floor, HPC Landmark 105, To Huu, Ha Dong, Hanoi
- Floors 1–3, Kosmo Tay Ho, 161 Xuan La, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi
Hotline (Free consultation & appointment booking): 0947.616.006 Follow for more updates: https://www.facebook.com/@KhoaNhiBVHongNgoc
