Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in babies, toddlers and older children. It usually peaks a...

Young children and infants frequently get infections of the lungs' tiny airways (bronchioles). Coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing are some of the symptoms.

Bronchiolitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | MyloFamily

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Bronchiolitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

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What is pregnancy rhinitis?
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How to tell if congestion in the nose is due to pregnancy rhinitis or something else and ways to treat it?

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Symptoms and Causes of Cold in Infants 
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Symptoms and Causes of Cold in Infants 

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Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in babies, toddlers and older children. It usually peaks around the winter and is mostly caused by a virus. Bronchiolitis usually starts with a cold, which progresses to coughing and wheezing and can even cause difficulty breathing. But don&rsquo;t worry, most children get better at home and rarely require hospitalisation. In this article, we will discuss bronchiolitis meaning, its causes, symptoms and treatment.

<h2>What is bronchiolitis? </h2>

Bronchiolitis is a lower respiratory tract infection where the small breathing tubes in the lungs called the bronchioles get infected. These bronchioles get swollen and clogged with mucus, blocking airflow and making it hard for the baby to breathe.

<h2>What causes bronchiolitis? </h2>

The leading causes of Bronchiolitis are:

<ul>
	<li>
	Influenza
	</li>
	<li>
	Adenovirus
	</li>
	<li>
	Rhinovirus
	</li>
	<li>
	Respiratory syncytial virus
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Herpes Simplex virus
	</li>
	<li>
	Human bocavirus
	</li>
	<li>
	Fungal infection
	</li>
	<li>
	Chronic aspiration
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis? </h2>

Some common symptoms of Bronchiolitis are:

<ul>
	<li>
	Mild fever
	</li>
	<li>
	A runny or stuffy nose
	</li>
	<li>
	Wheezing sound while coughing
	</li>
	<li>
	Tiredness
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Sometimes, severe respiratory issues like difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite, flaring of nostrils, and sleep loss can also occur.
	</li>
	<li>
	Increased heartbeat
	</li>
	<li>
	Your baby getting irritated and fussy.
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>How can you distinguish between bronchiolitis &amp; other illnesses that present with similar symptoms? </h2>

Bronchiolitis sounds similar to another lung condition called bronchitis. They not only sound similar but are also caused by a virus and affect the airways in the lung. However, that&rsquo;s where the similarities between bronchitis vs bronchiolitis end. Bronchiolitis affects the smaller airways in the lungs known as bronchioles whereas bronchitis affects the larger airways called the bronchi. Additionally, bronchiolitis is usually caused in babies and younger children whereas bronchitis is more common among older children and adults.

<h2>How is bronchiolitis diagnosed? </h2>

A doctor can usually diagnose bronchiolitis by observing your child and listening to their lungs with a stethoscope. If your child has or is at risk of severe bronchiolitis, they may order some tests such as:

<h3>1. Chest X-ray</h3>

A chest x-ray can help the doctor to look for signs of pneumonia.

<h3>2. Viral Testing </h3>

The doctor may collect a mucus sample from your child to test for the bronchiolitis-causing virus. The swab test is usually done through the nose.

<h3>3. Blood Tests </h3>

Rarely, a doctor may conduct a blood test to check your child&rsquo;s white blood cell count. A higher white blood cell count is usually the sign of an infection. Additionally, the blood test can also help determine if your child&rsquo;s oxygen levels have dropped or not.

<h2>Treatment and management </h2>

If the bronchiolitis is in its preliminary stage, then the following treatment can be followed:

<ul>
	<li>
	Your child needs to rest as much as possible so that your baby&#39;s bronchial tubes can heal.
	</li>
	<li>
	Increased intake of fluids, about 8-10 glasses of water a day to help in thinning the mucus.
	</li>
	<li>
	Due to poor immunity, your baby&rsquo;s body may develop other pneumonic illnesses as well. To combat this, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to deal with the infection.
	</li>
	<li>
	A decongestant can be introduced because it cleanses mucus from inflamed airways, making breathing easier for your child.
	</li>
	<li>
	You can also try saline drops to ease your baby&#39;s congestion.
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	You can make your baby comfortable by keeping your baby in an upright position.
	</li>
	<li>
	Avoid any kind of smoke around your baby.
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>Home cures </h2>

Here are a few home remedies that can help you get rid of bronchiolitis:

<h3>1. Cool-mist Humidifier </h3>

To get rid of dust particles, it is best to take the help of a humidifier which will make the air dust-free for your child to breathe.

<h3>2. Vitamin C </h3>

Ensure that you make your baby eat Vitamin C-rich foods such as lemons and cranberries. Vitamin C-rich foods help in building immunity, thereby helping your child fight effectively against pathogens.

<h3>3. Honey </h3>

Honey can work wonders for your baby because of the anti-bacterial properties that it possesses.

<h3>4. Epsom Salt </h3>

While bathing your baby, put some Epsom salt in the water. This will help in clearing the clog in bronchial tubes. Also, put some Epsom salt in the steam water when you&#39;re giving your baby steam. This will assist in removing the congestion.

<h3>5. Turmeric </h3>

Giving your baby Haldi ka doodh can indeed do very well in reducing the coughs and clearing congestion.

<h2>Getting ready for your appointment </h2>

You&rsquo;re likely to see a doctor if your child presents symptoms of bronchiolitis to have a proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some things you can keep in mind before your appointment:

<ul>
	<li>
	Pen down all of the symptoms your child has been experiencing even if they might seem unrelated to you
	</li>
	<li>
	Make a list of key personal information such as any previous lung infection or if your child was born prematurely
	</li>
	<li>
	Note down some of the questions you&rsquo;d like to ask your doctor
	</li>
</ul>

Bronchiolitis can be managed at home and treated. Though it might be painful to see your child suffer from bronchiolitis, it usually lasts for 14-21 days. Try making your child comfortable and well-rested and follow home remedies to help soothe your child.
</div>

Infants usually get infected with cold and cough a numerous time before their first birthday. Medicines might bring quick relief from cold and cough to your baby but it may harm their tiny organs. When you see your baby sick with a cold or cough you try to do everything possible to help them get rid of all the discomfort. Oral over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines may temporarily reduce the symptoms of cold and cough in your baby but it can cause serious harm to their internal organs. Choosing home remedies to cure your baby&rsquo;s common cold and cough is one of the safest and most economical ways. 

Below mentioned are some remedies that can cure the ailment: 

<ul>
	<li>
	Breastmilk- It may surprise you but when you are breastfeeding your baby you are making your baby&rsquo;s immune system stronger because the miraculous milk is full of antibodies. It makes the human body immune to all kinds of viruses and germs and provides hydration. 
	</li>
	<li>
	Garlic and Carom seeds pouch- This herbal remedy is quite effective because of its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Make a pouch of dry roasted - 2 cloves of garlic and 1 spoon of carom seeds (ajwain). Tie them in a muslin cloth when it cools down and place this pouch at a safe distance from your baby&rsquo;s cot. You must avoid keeping it on the cot or under the cot. This pouch releases an aroma that will provide relief to the baby and it will help in clearing the blockage. 
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Mustard oil infused with carom seeds and garlic- If you apply this oil on your baby&rsquo;s chest it will help him/her get rid of the congestion as mustard oil, carom seeds and garlic have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. All you have to do is take some mustard oil (about 1/4th cup) and add 1 spoon of carom seeds and 2 cloves of crushed garlic. Strain the oil when cooled and store it in a clean bottle. Just take few drops and gently massage this oil on your baby&rsquo;s chest as and when required. 
	</li>
	<li>
	Massage with infused coconut oil- Heat half a cup of coconut oil with some tulsi leaves (3-4), 1 onion, and 1 betel stem. Add a pinch of camphor to the infused oil after switching off the gas. By applying this magical oil on your baby&rsquo;s chest and neck, the baby gets relief from nasal congestion. 
	</li>
	<li>
	Turmeric paste- Burn a dry turmeric stick on a gas stove till it is charred and make a fine paste of it by adding little water to it. You can apply this paste to your baby&rsquo;s nasal bridge, chest, forehead, and feet. The heat from the turmeric helps in absorbing all the mucus and provides <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/things-to-do-to-make-your-baby-feel-better-during-a-cold-25945">relief in symptoms of a cold</a>. The anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties of turmeric will help your baby breathe properly. 
	</li>
	<li>
	Saline drops- Putting nasal/saline drops in your baby&rsquo;s tiny nostrils by taking permission from the pediatrician will help your baby get some relief from congestion. You must carefully read all the instructions mentioned on the carton of the nasal drops and with the help of a dropper, you can put some drops in your baby&rsquo;s nose. You can remove the mucus with the help of a nasal suction bulb. 
	</li>
	<li>
	Use a humidifier- You can get a good quality humidifier from a pharmacy near you and place it in your baby&rsquo;s room when he/she is asleep. You must regularly clean and sanitize the humidifier. The dry air of the room will get moisten with the help of a humidifier. 
	</li>
</ul>

You should not offer honey to your infant until he/she turns 1. You must also use a good quality air purifier in your house for your baby&rsquo;s fragile breathing system. All the above remedies should be practiced after getting consent from the pediatrician and if the symptoms are worse then you must seek medical help. If using the above-mentioned remedies then don&#39;t forget to check out for allergies also. 

You may also like to watch: 

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What is pregnancy rhinitis?

Pregnancy rhinitis is congestion or a stuffy nose during pregnancy. It may feel similar to the nasal congestion you get when you have a cold, but this condition is partly caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. For example, a higher level of estrogen during pregnancy can cause the lining of the nasal passages to swell, producing more mucus. You also have more blood circulating during pregnancy, which can make the tiny blood vessels inside your nose swell and lead to nasal congestion.

Up to 30 percent of pregnant women have pregnancy rhinitis, and it can start as early as your second month, though it tends to get worse later in pregnancy. The congestion should ease up soon after you give birth and be gone completely within two weeks after delivery.

How to tell if congestion is pregnancy rhinitis or something else?

If congestion or a runny nose are your only symptoms, then you probably have pregnancy rhinitis. If you have a stuffy nose as well as sneezing, coughing, a sore throat, mild aches and pains, swollen glands, or a fever, then it&#39;s more likely you have a cold or another infection.

Keep in mind that sinus infections are more common in pregnancy. Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of sinusitis, such as fever, headache, green or yellow mucus, facial pain or pressure (which may feel worse when you bend forward), an ache in the upper jaw, or a reduced sense of smell.

On the other hand, if you have a stuffy or runny nose with watery mucus, along with sneezing and itchy eyes, nose, throat, or ears, then you probably have allergies. Allergies during pregnancy are unpredictable: They may improve or get worse, or you may find that you&#39;re sensitive to allergens and other irritants that never bothered you before.

Of course, you won&#39;t always be able to tell what&#39;s causing your congestion, and it&#39;s possible that there&#39;s more than one cause. For example, you could have allergies and pregnancy rhinitis.

What is the treatment for pregnancy rhinitis?

To ease congestion and other symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis:

&bull; Drink plenty of hydrating fluids. 
&bull; Elevate your head with extra pillows when you lie down to rest or sleep. 
&bull; Take a warm shower and linger in the steamy bathroom. Steam is soothing and temporarily relieves congestion. You can also soak a washcloth with hot water, hold it up to your face, and breathe. 
&bull; Try saline nose drops or saline nasal spray, available over the counter at drugstores. You should be able to blow your nose more easily about five to 10 minutes after squirting a bit into each nostril. 
&bull; Use a humidifier or vaporizer in your bedroom at night to add moisture to the air. (Follow the cleaning instructions that come with your humidifier because it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.) 
&bull; Get some mild to moderate exercise which sometimes relieves a stuffy nose. (Don&#39;t exercise outdoors on days when there&#39;s a lot of air pollution because this may irritate your nasal passages and make congestion worse.) 
&bull; Avoid potential irritants, such as cigarette smoke, alcohol, paint, and chemical fumes as well as anything else that triggers your symptoms.

Symptoms and Causes of Cold in Infants 

Cold in human is universal. There are more than 200 viruses around us that are capable of causing colds in humans irrespective of age. Infants are prone to catch a cold easily as their immune system is still developing. Luckily, majority of colds that they catch, only help them to strengthen their immune system. But for parents the first colds that their infant catches up with, can be very scary and understanding its causes and symptoms helps them to approach it appropriately. 

Common causes of the cold: 

The infections of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract are because of viral infections. Rhinovirus is the most common type of virus that causes cold in children. Babies can generally get infected by 

<ul>
	<li>
	Air: Through droplet infection when some elder coughs, sneezes, or talks in the room. 
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Surface: Viruses can live for long hours on contaminated surfaces and the baby can catch a cold by touching such contaminated surfaces. 
	</li>
	<li>
	Direct contact: When an infected person comes in direct contact with the baby, the infectious virus can easily spread to them. 
	</li>
</ul>

Symptoms of cold in infants: 

The first indication of the common cold in infants is a runny or congested nose. The child can also have nasal discharges that are clear at first but can thicken and get yellow over time. Other common symptoms of cold are: 

<ul>
	<li>
	Fever 
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Coughs 
	</li>
	<li>
	Sneezing 
	</li>
	<li>
	Irritability 
	</li>
	<li>
	Decreased appetite 
	</li>
	<li>
	Difficulty in sleeping 
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Difficulty in feeding because of nasal congestion. 
	</li>
</ul>

When is the right time to see the doctor? 

Generally, colds in infants will resolve within ten days. But it is always better to call the doctor, instead of performing self-medication. Parents should seek immediate medical help if the baby has a body temperature higher than 100.4F, has persistent coughs, has trouble breathing, and is persistently irritable. 

Preventing cold in children: 

The best way to prevent cold in children is to keep them and the surfaces as clean as possible. Parents should avoid exposing the baby to anyone who is sick at home. Also, parents should wash their hands frequently, especially before touching and feeding the baby. It is important to clean the pacifiers and toys of the baby often and use clean cloths and tissues on them.

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