Bronchiolitis |
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DESCRIPTION
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Bronchiolitis (bronk-ee-o-LIE-tis) is an infection of the airways in the lungs. The infected airways swell and cause trouble breathing. The disease is common in winter and early spring. Children less than 18 months old are more likely to get bronchiolitis. Antibiotics will not work, but other medicines can be given to help the child feel better. The child may be sick for 2 to 7 days and get better in 10 to 14 days. Most children won't get bronchiolitis more than once.
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CAUSES
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Bronchiolitis begins with a cold--sneezing and a runny nose.
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SYMPTOMS
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The child may have fever, cough, and trouble breathing. He or she may wheeze (a noise heard when breathing in and out) for 7 days and cough for 14 days. The child may seem more tired than usual. Ear infections are common with bronchiolitis. Signs of an ear infection are ear tugging, ear pain, and fever. Call your doctor if any of these occur.
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CARE
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Immediately If... Call 911 or O (operator) for help if your child has any of the following signs: trouble breathing or swallowing, the skin between the ribs is being sucked-in with each breath, or the lips or fingernails are turning blue or white.
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COMPLICATIONS
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s Children can die from bronchiolitis. But the risks of serious illness or death are very small if you follow your doctor's directions.
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