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Acute viral bronchiolitis
Acute viral bronchiolitis
What is acute viral bronchiolitis?
What is acute viral bronchiolitis?
Acute viral bronchiolitis is a common infection affecting the airways of children under two years of age.
It is mainly caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but may also result from other viruses that are not always detected in tests. Symptoms include nasal congestion, coughing, fever, wheezing, apnoea, breathing difficulties, feeding difficulties and fatigue. Some children are at increased risk, particularly those under three months of age, premature infants and children with underlying conditions.
Care management
The major complications of bronchiolitis include respiratory failure, dehydration and, in rare cases, a secondary bacterial infection. Hospital management remains mainly symptomatic and aims to relieve the child’s symptoms. It includes nasal care with saline solution, regular hydration, treatment of fever and isolation to minimise contact, particularly with people at risk. In severe cases, additional examinations may be necessary, and hospitalisation may be recommended.
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How can bronchiolitis be prevented?
Vaccination during pregnancy
Vaccination against RSV with Abrysvo during pregnancy enables the mother-to-be to produce antibodies that are transferred to the baby through the placenta. This protection helps protect the infant against RSV infections during the first six months of life. It is recommended when the birth is expected during the RSV circulation period.
Baby immunisation – Beyfortus
Administration of specific antibodies against RSV directly protects infants for several months. It is ideally carried out before the start of the virus circulation period and can be administered at the same time as routine vaccinations.
For babies born during the RSV season, these antibodies can be administered from birth, preferably in the maternity unit.
For eligible children who have not yet been immunised, catch-up immunisation can also be carried out during a paediatric consultation.
Monitoring at Home: Carefully observe for signs of respiratory distress (persistent rapid breathing, signs of chest retractions or pauses in breathing), reduced feeding despite offering smaller, more frequent feeds, excessive fatigue, pallor or persistent fever.
Care at Home: Regularly clean the nose with physiological saline before each feed, maintain adequate hydration by offering smaller amounts more frequently, and treat the fever.
Seeking Medical Advice : If concerns persist, contact or consult the treating doctor or paediatrician. If they are unavailable, the paediatric emergency department is available 24 hours a day.
