3420
3 Minute

31-07-2024 Team Medicover pulmonology

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Alla Bhagyaraj

What is Bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that causes the airways (bronchioles) in the lungs to become narrow, which makes breathing difficult. It occurs most often in children under age 2 during winter and early spring.

Very rarely, adults can get bronchiolitis. For instance, there is a condition called bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as “popcorn lung.” This condition is usually caused by breathing in irritating chemicals or other substances.

Types of Bronchiolitis

Viral Bronchiolitis

Viral bronchiolitis appears in infants. Most cases of viral bronchiolitis are due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Viral outbreaks occur every winter and affect children under the age of one.

Bronchiolitis Obliterans

Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare and dangerous condition seen in adults. This disease causes scarring in the bronchioles. This blocks the air passages, creating an airway obstruction that can’t be reversed.

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Symptoms of Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis symptoms, including those from viral bronchiolitis and bronchiolitis obliterans, are often similar. These include:

Shortness of breath
Wheezing
A bluish appearance of the skin from a lack of oxygen
Crackling or rattling sounds heard in the lungs
Fatigue
Ribs that appear sunken during attempts to inhale (in children)
Nasal flaring (in babies)
Fast breathing
Cough

Exposure to certain chemicals may cause bronchiolitis to appear within two weeks to a month. A lung infection can take several months to several years to produce symptoms.

Causes of Bronchiolitis

There are different causes of viral bronchiolitis and bronchiolitis obliterans.

Causes of Viral Bronchiolitis

Viruses that enter and infect the respiratory tract cause viral bronchiolitis. Viruses are microscopic organisms that can reproduce rapidly and challenge the immune system. The following are common types of viral infections that may cause bronchiolitis:

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis. RSV usually strikes children by the age of 2 but is most common in babies less than 1 year of age. Contagious infection can also cause inflammation, mucus, and swelling in the airways.

Adenoviruses

These viruses target mucous membranes. They cause about 10 percent of acute respiratory tract infections in children.

Influenza Viruses

These viruses cause inflammation in the lungs, nose, and throat. Influenza affects both adults and children. It’s especially dangerous for babies who don’t have strong immune systems.

Causes of Bronchiolitis Obliterans

This rare condition sometimes occurs for no known reason. Severe cases can lead to death if left untreated. A few cases have been identified and include:

Fumes from chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and chlorine
Respiratory infections
Adverse reactions to medications

Risks of Bronchiolitis

Viral bronchiolitis can affect children up to 2 years old. It generally occurs in infants of 3 to 9 months of age. A few risk factors for viral bronchiolitis in babies and young children are:

Not being breastfed
Being born prematurely or born with a heart or lung condition
Having a suppressed immune system
Being exposed to cigarette smoke

Risks for Bronchiolitis Obliterans in Adults

Working conditions can expose you to dangerous chemicals
Having a heart, lung, or bone marrow transplant
Smoking tobacco containing nicotine
Having an autoimmune connective tissue disease

Diagnosis of Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis can be diagnosed in several ways, depending on the age of the patient and the severity of symptoms.

Chest X-rays: Imaging tests like chest X-rays help doctors see inflammation in the lungs and are commonly used to confirm bronchiolitis.
Spirometry: Often used for adults, this test measures how much air you inhale and exhale, and how quickly you do it.
Arterial blood gas test: This test checks levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and is used for both types of bronchiolitis.
Mucus or nasal discharge test: In babies and young children, doctors may take samples of mucus or nasal fluid to identify the virus causing the infection.

Treatment Options for Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis Treatment usually goes away on its own, but supportive care can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.

No specific vaccine or cure exists.
Antibiotics and cold meds don’t work.
Most cases are treated at home
Keep your child well-hydrated.
Use saline drops and a suction bulb for stuffy noses.
Acetaminophen can reduce fever (ask your doctor).
About 3% of cases need hospital care.
In the hospital, oxygen and IV fluids may be given.
Most kids go home within 2 to 8 days.

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Conclusion

Bronchiolitis is a lung infection that mostly affects babies and young children. It makes it hard to breathe but usually gets better on its own with care at home. Some children may need to go to the hospital if they have trouble breathing.

In rare cases, bronchiolitis symptoms in adults may develop into a more serious condition called bronchiolitis obliterans, often caused by breathing in harmful chemicals. There is no cure or vaccine for bronchiolitis, but recognizing the symptoms early and getting medical help can make a big difference. If you think your child has bronchiolitis, talk to a doctor right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bronchiolitis is usually a mild illness, but it can be serious in infants, especially those under 1 year old or with underlying health conditions. In some cases, it may lead to breathing difficulties that require hospitalization.

Bronchiolitis typically does not cause permanent lung damage. However, severe or repeated infections in early childhood may increase the risk of developing wheezing or asthma-like symptoms later on.

Bronchiolitis mostly affects children under 2 years of age, with peak occurrence between 3 to 6 months. As a child’s immune system and lungs develop, the risk of bronchiolitis decreases significantly.

For bronchitis, warm fluids like soups, broths, and herbal teas can soothe the throat and loosen mucus. Foods rich in vitamin C, garlic, ginger, and honey (for children over 1 year) may help reduce inflammation and support recovery. Whole grains and lean proteins are also beneficial.

The fastest recovery involves rest, staying well-hydrated, using a humidifier or steam to ease breathing, and avoiding smoke or irritants. Over-the-counter remedies or doctor-prescribed medications may also help, depending on whether it’s viral or bacterial.

While bronchiolitis and asthma share symptoms like coughing and wheezing, they are different conditions. Bronchiolitis is a viral infection common in infants, while asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that often starts later and can persist long-term.

Steam or a humidifier can help relieve symptoms of bronchiolitis by easing breathing and loosening mucus. While it may provide comfort, it is not a cure, and medical attention should be sought if symptoms are severe or worsening.

A bronchiolitis cough often lasts 1–3 weeks. It usually peaks around day 3 to 5 and then slowly improves, but a mild cough may linger for a few weeks as the lungs heal.

There’s no quick cure. Supportive care like fluids, rest, nasal suction, and a humidifier helps. Severe cases may need medical care. Always consult a doctor if symptoms worsen.

For babies, continue breast milk or formula. For older kids, warm soups, soft fruits, and foods rich in vitamins A and C can help. Keep them hydrated and avoid mucus-triggering foods.

Use a humidifier or a steamy bathroom to loosen mucus. Gently pat the baby’s back or chest to help break it up. Suction the nose with a bulb syringe. Ask a doctor if unsure.