Bronchiolitis is a viral respiratory infection which mainly affects children under 2 years of age. The disease is usually caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes inflammation of the walls of the bronchioles (the smallest bronchi). It is characterized by shortness of breath with signs such as coughing and rapid wheezing. To learn more about symptoms, you can visit the Health Insurance page " Recognizing Bronchiolitis ”.

Because bronchiolitis is a highly contagious disease, simple actions can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus. It is also important to know the right behaviors to adopt in case of bronchiolitis in an infant.

How can we reduce the risk of transmitting the virus?

To reduce virus transmission within the family, here are the prevention measures to be adopted :

• Wash hands for 30 seconds, with soap and water or alcohol before and after contact with the baby.
• open the windows of the room where the baby sleeps for at least 10 minutes a day;
• avoid, where possible, taking children to confined public places (public transport, shopping malls, etc.) where they might be in contact with people with colds;
• limit visits to the circle of very close and unsick adults, no kissing or arm-to-arm passage, avoid visits from young children to infants under 3 months of age;
• not sharing unwashed bottles, pacifiers or cutlery;
• regularly wash toys and soft toys;
• do not smoke next to babies and children.

And when you have a cold yourself:

• cover your mouth with your elbow or sleeve when coughing or sneezing;
• Wearing a mask while caring for a baby;
• avoid kissing the baby on the face and hands.

You can consult the page “ Preventing bronchiolitis from occurring ”.

What if your baby shows signs of bronchiolitis?

The immense mmost bronchiolitis is benign and heals spontaneously within days. There is no specific anti-virus treatment. Also, because the infection is viral, antibiotics are useless. Cough is essential to evacuate secretions: anti-cough drugs (syrups, thinners...) are contraindicated in small children.

Since bronchiolitis does not necessarily require hospitalization, you should consult your doctor first. It will give you care instructions (feeding, hydration, cleaning and regular clearing of the nose of your child, especially for children under 6 months who are not yet able to breathe through the mouth).

Symptoms may worsen during the first few days, then gradually improve. The cough usually lasts for 8 to 10 days and sometimes even weeks. The attending physician can also explain how monitor the progress of symptoms your child, to check for any worsening condition that warrants a new visit or hospital treatment.

When to worry?

If your child has any of the following, hospitalization may be necessary:

• He is less than six weeks old;
• a premature infant under three months of age;
• already have an identified respiratory or cardiac disease;
• he drinks less than half of his bottles at three consecutive meals;
• they vomit systematically;
• they sleep continuously, or they cry unusually and cannot fall asleep.

However, before going to the emergency department, it is recommended that you call the 15 which will tell you the most appropriate support.