How long does it take for children to have bronchiolitis?

The article was written by Dr. Le Thi Hong Anh - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

It is an acute viral infection of the bronchioles, characterized by acute inflammation, edema, obstruction and necrosis of small airway epithelial cells, increased mucus production, and constriction of the airways. bronchioles. The disease is mainly seen in children under 2 years of age with clinical symptoms characterized by cough, wheezing, tachypnea and/or chest indrawing.

Acute bronchiolitis is a viral disease, caused mostly by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), accounting for 2/3 of cases and can cause epidemics. In addition, Adenovirus , a causative agent of acute bronchiolitis, is more severe, lasts longer and has the potential to progress to acute obstructive bronchiolitis (especially types 3, 7, 21) . Some other viruses also cause acute bronchiolitis such as: parainfluenza virus, influenza virus, rhinovirus, human metapneumovirus, bocavirus, enterovirus, ...

As a viral disease, for normal children, with proper care and supportive treatment, the disease will self-limit within 1-2 weeks and most can be treated and cared for at home . The symptoms of wheezing can last from one to four weeks However, it is important to note that during the acute stage of bronchiolitis, the child's body, especially the lungs, is very susceptible to superinfection with bacteria. lead to lung damage and prolong healing time. Especially for young children, born prematurely and with underlying comorbidities such as congenital heart disease (especially cyanotic congenital heart disease, heart disease with pulmonary hypertension), chronic lung disease, neuromuscular disease. , immunodeficiency , chromosomal abnormalities . Therefore, parents should pay special attention to the problem of taking care of children properly and identifying signs of seriousness for children.

Most children with acute bronchiolitis can be treated at home, but parents should pay attention to take the child to the hospital for examination and hospitalization as soon as one of the following signs is present:
Children under 3 months of age. Infants with a history of premature birth, especially under 32 weeks. Pre-existing conditions: congenital heart disease (especially cyanotic congenital heart disease, heart disease with pulmonary hypertension), chronic lung disease, neuromuscular disease, immunodeficiency, chromosomal abnormality. Severe malnutrition. The child has cyanosis, chest constriction, rapid breathing more than 70 times / min Stopped feeding / poor feeding, unable to drink Signs of dehydration, no wet diapers within 12 hours

For children who can be treated at home, the family needs to make sure:
Give the child medicine prescribed by the doctor to support symptoms and support the child's condition. Give children enough water to drink according to their needs and make up for the lack of water in the previous days. However, do not force children to drink too much at one time, parents can divide the meals to avoid vomiting, which increases the risk of aspiration for children. Always keep the baby's surroundings cool and clean. Keep your child isolated from other healthy as well as sick children. Limit people to visit and care for children. Washing hands before caring for children is the simplest and most important measure

Pediatrics Department at Vinmec International General Hospital is the address to receive and examine diseases that infants and young children are susceptible to: viral fever, bacterial fever, otitis media, pneumonia in children, ... With modern equipment, sterile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of disease spread. Along with that is the dedication from the doctors with professional experience with pediatric patients, making the examination no longer a concern of the parents.
If you notice that your child has unusual health problems, you should take the child to examine and consult with a specialist doctor.