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Get answers to your child's growth, nutrition, and feeding behavior questions.

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Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

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Bronchiolitis - Treatment

Treatment:

Sometimes, no treatment is necessary.

Supportive therapy can include:

  • Chest clapping
  • Clear fluids
  • Humidified air
  • Oxygen
  • Rest

Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. Medicines used in the hospital can include albuterol (a medication normally used in asthma) or steroids.

In extremely ill children, antiviral medications (such as ribavirin) are sometimes used. Antiviral treatment may decrease the severity and duration of the illness. To be effective, these medications must be given early in the course of the illness.

Expectations (prognosis):

Usually, the symptoms get better within a week, and breathing difficulty usually improves by the third day. The mortality rate is less than 1%.

Complications:

  • Airways disease, including asthma, later in life
  • Respiratory failure
  • Secondary infection, such as pneumonia

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider immediately, or go to the emergency room if the child with bronchiolitis:

  • Becomes lethargic
  • Develops a bluish color in the skin, nails, or lips
  • Develops rapid, shallow breathing
  • Has a cold that suddenly worsens
  • Has difficulty breathing
  • Flares nostrils or retracts chest muscles in an effort to breathe
  • Reviewed last on: 11/12/2007
  • Rachel A. Lewis, M.D., F.A.A.P., Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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