Bronchiolitis
Of course I thought that she was dying . .everything amplified and the worst case possible instantly was Skye’s life.
Looking back – vaccine aftereffect?
Not able to process zinc seems most likely and all nutrients missing after my brush with vaccine damage myself from the MMR jab to allow her existence – her dad refused to think of a second baby unless I was ‘protected’ so scared he was of having a bub not perfect – especially freaked out about brain injury.
Thus when her brother was still being breastfed -(what did I know – we all thought this was benign) I rolled up my sleeve and took the jab.
Soon after – chronic fatigue and incredible carpal tunnel – and a massive inability to function – nappy pins were so hard. .holding baby – same.
From now I see what it did to both of us (him and myself) and what lay in wait for the next pregnancy and baby.
Then I thought I was going towards diabetes- and yet was under so much stress from the marriage – I put it down to ‘get with it and stop complaining ‘ as the job at hand was making/rearing my children.
Bronchiolitis is a chest condition that causes breathing problems in babies. It’s catching, so wash your hands before and after handling baby.
Key points
- Bronchiolitis is a common illness affecting the lungs that causes breathing problems in babies.
- Bronchiolitis is catching (contagious) so wash your hands before and after handling baby.
- Breastfeeding and a smokefree environment give the best protection against bronchiolitis.
- Bronchiolitis is usually a mild illness. Babies with bronchiolitis can usually stay at home. Some sicker babies need to go to hospital.
- There is no specific medicine for bronchiolitis.
- If your baby with bronchiolitis is under 3 months old, you should always see a doctor.
What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a common illness. A virus is usually the cause. There are many types of viruses that can cause the illness. The most common are RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and rhinovirus.
Bronchiolitis affects the smallest airways (called bronchioles) throughout the lungs.
Can you catch bronchiolitis?
Yes, bronchiolitis is very easy to catch – it can spread easily between children or from adults to children.
It is most common in winter and spring.
What puts my child at risk of getting bronchiolitis?
- Bronchiolitis usually affects babies in their first year of life.
- It commonly occurs between 3 and 6 months of age.
- Babies who were born prematurely are more at risk of severe bronchiolitis.
- Babies who already have heart or lung disease are at high risk of severe bronchiolitis.
- Babies who are around people who smoke are more likely to get bronchiolitis.
What are the signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis can start as a cold, with a runny nose.
Babies with bronchiolitis:
- may have a fever
- start to cough
- breathe fast
- put a lot of extra effort into breathing
- have noisy breathing (wheeze).
The second or third day of the chesty part of the illness is usually the worst.
Bronchiolitis can last for several days. The cough often lasts for 10 to 14 days but it may last as long as a month.
When should I seek help for bronchiolitis?
When do I need to see a doctor?
You should see your family doctor or go to an after-hours medical centre urgently if your baby:
- is under 3 months old
- is breathing fast, has noisy breathing and is having to use extra effort to breathe
- looks pale and unwell
- is taking less than half of their normal feeds
- is vomiting
- has not wet a nappy for 6 hours.
You should also see a doctor if you are worried about your baby.
| Even if you’ve already seen your doctor, if your baby’s breathing difficulties get worse or if you are worried, take your baby back for checking. |
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When should I dial 111?
Dial 111 within New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries) and ask for urgent medical help if your child:
- has blue lips and tongue
- has severe difficulty breathing
- is becoming very sleepy and not easy to wake up
- is very pale
- is floppy
- has periods of irregular breathing or pauses in breathing.
What is the treatment for bronchiolitis?
Most babies get better by themselves
Most babies with bronchiolitis get better by themselves without any special medical treatment.
- A virus causes bronchiolitis so antibiotics do not help or cure it.
- Asthma puffers or inhalers don’t help babies with bronchiolitis.
- Using blue reliever asthma puffers or inhalers in babies less than 6 months of age may make their breathing worse.
- Steroid medicine by mouth or inhaler does not help babies with bronchiolitis.
- In babies over 12 months of age, it may be hard to tell if the problem is bronchiolitis or asthma – your doctor may try asthma puffers or inhalers.
