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Anyone who has been around children for any length of time knows that they can be highly susceptible to a variety of infections. One of the many infections a child can come down with is known as bronchiolitis. This is an infection and inflammation of the bronchioles. What are the bronchioles? I'm glad you asked!

The lungs are very complex organs. As you breath in air, it travels down your trachea, which eventually splits in to the right and left primary bronchi. These bronchi then begin to split again as you go deeper in to the lungs. The bronchioles are the first airways in the lungs that are not surrounded by cartilage. They are not, however, the last portion of the airways. The bronchioles are very narrow, typically being only about a millimeter in diameter.

There are many causes of bronchiolitis, most of which involve viral infections of some sort. One of the most common viral infections that causes bronchiolitis in children is known as Respiratory Synctial Virus, or RSV. Influenza, parainfluenza, and adenovirues are secondary causes of bronchiolitis.

Most childern who are effected by bronchiolitis are still infants. The disease is most common in the first two years of life, and becomes progressively more rare after that.

Children who have a case of bronchiolitis will have very obvious symptoms of being ill. They will begin to breathe far more rapidly than normal. This is known as tachypnea. They will begin wheezing, and will appear to be in some distress due to their difficulty in breathing properly.

It is now uncommon to see a baby have their nostrils flare up while they are trying to breathe. They will also use their chest wall to help move air in and out. The entire rib cage will expand and contract, much as it does when you are done exercising and are out of breath.

Bronchiolitis is generally considered a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. A child with a bad infection will often have such a hard time breathing that they will actually turn a little bluish. Needless to say, this is not normal and must be dealt with by a doctor.

Bronchiolitis is a very seaonal disease. It is far more common in the fall and winter months.

If you have a child that is having problems breathing, do not hesitate to call a doctor, or take the child directly in to the office. Breathing problems can become quite severe in a very short period of time and must be dealth with immediately in order to limit the risk to the child. If you have any other questions regarding bronchiolitis or the symptoms of bronchiolitis, make a call to your pediatrician or nurse.

Learn more about this author, Erich Rosenberger M.D..
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