Bronchiolitis: Causes, symptoms and treatment

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi. With bronchiolitis, the bronchioles are inflamed. To understand the difference between the bronchi and the bronchioles, it is best to imagine the lungs as an upside-down tree. The tree trunk is the windpipe (trachea), the branches are the bronchi branching out from the trunk, and the even finer twigs are the bronchioles. Find out more about the bronchi and lungs here. Bronchitis and bronchiolitis are both obstructive respiratory diseases. While bronchiolitis is especially prevalent in infants and toddlers up to the age of 24 months, bronchitis affects children and adults.

As bronchiolitis usually starts as a respiratory infection of the upper airways, bronchiolitis in children starts with the same symptoms as a common cold:

• Cough (initially a dry, tickly cough turning productive with sputum)
• Sniffly nose
• Fever
• Fatigue

Bronchiolitis does not develop from the infection until the pathogen moves down from the upper to the lower airways and triggers inflammation of the bronchioles. Symptoms are then often:

• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Breathing difficulties
• Persistent and severe cough; often with excessive mucus
• Fever
• Patients are often reluctant to drink, which can lead to dehydration in extreme cases
• Whistling or crackling breath sounds

NB: If your child has these symptoms, they should always see a doctor.

While bronchitis can become chronic, bronchiolitis is always acute. Generally, bronchiolitis resolves after 14 days. However, in some children, a hypersensitive bronchial system and cough can remain a little longer as residual symptoms. About 10% of children with acute bronchiolitis still have a cough after 3 weeks¹. Adequate treatment is, however, important, as a persistently hypersensitive bronchial system can lead to bronchial asthma.

It is a good idea to treat the symptoms. Inhalation with saline solution is especially effective against the cough and mucus build-up. Always discuss the treatment of bronchiolitis with your paediatrician. Rest and plenty of fluids are also very important. If your baby refuses to drink, visit your paediatrician without delay.

Inhalation for bronchiolitis

Inhaling with a suitable inhalation device is a tried-and-tested method to treat a cough. Inhaling with hypertonic saline solution is a treatment with a well-earned foothold in paediatric and adolescent medicine for the treatment of bronchiolitis. Isotonic inhalation solution should be inhaled for a dry cough and a hypersensitive bronchial system.

Hypertonic saline solution for severe mucus

Inhalation therapy with hypertonic saline solution can liquefy the mucus, make it easier to cough up and so better transport it out of the bronchioles. Your child may experience a stronger urge to cough during and after inhalation with hypertonic saline solution. This is generally a sign that it is now easier to shift the mucus.

Which is the best inhalation device for bronchiolitis?

As bronchiolitis most commonly affects babies and toddlers under the age of 2 years, the most suitable inhalation device is the PARI BOY Junior:

The most common trigger of bronchiolitis is RSV. An infection is usually difficult to avoid. You can make sure that your child inhales isotonic saline solution at the first signs of a cold. If your child still develops symptoms of bronchiolitis, such as shortness of breath or a severe cough with sputum, please visit the paediatrician. Inhalation with hypertonic saline solution is an effective treatment for a build-up of mucus in patients with bronchiolitis.

References

_{^[1] Schorlemer C, Eber E. Akute virale Bronchiolitis und obstruktive Bronchitis bei Kindern. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd. 2020;168(12):1147-1157.}