The Cold That Can Take Your Baby’s Breath Away
Anthony L. Kovatch
pediatricalliance.com
It is called Bronchiolitis. It starts out as a common cold that an infant gets from an older sibling or a day care playmate; however, as the virus invades the divisions of the small bronchial tree of the infant and causes swelling, the young victim develops progressively worsening shortness of breath and wheezing – similar to an asthma attack. The breathing rate may increase to 50-100 times per minute and interfere with feeding and sleeping. Some very young babies can develop apnea (long pauses in breathing).Because of this infection creating a need for oxygen, intravenous fluids, and respiratory therapy, many infants land in the hospital during the winter season.
Although any virus can lead to Bronchiolitis, by far the main agent is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV predominates in the late fall and winter months and this infection is ubiquitous to some degree in the first two years of life. Babies born prematurely (especially under 32 weeks gestation) are more prone to severe complicated diseases. The vast majority of term babies recover uneventfully once they get over the peak days of the illness. Controversy persists among pediatricians as to whether the episode can lead to hyper-reactivity of the airway or full-blown asthma in the future.
Unlike its “sister” winter intestinal infection, Rotavirus, for which a vaccine (Rotateq) is effective, RSV has no universally available vaccine. A monthly immune globulin injection (Synagis) is reserved only for very high-risk infants.
What can you do as caretakers to try to eliminate this malady? Plenty.
• Breast Feed
• Diligent hand washing
• Avoid contact with ill youngsters
• Stay in contact with your healthcare team when a “common cold” no longer seems common to you
Last Updated: January 13, 2009