The bronchioles, the smallest branches of the respiratory tree become inflamed. The bronchioles are responsible for transporting air from the large bronchial tubes to the microscopic air sacs in the lungs where gases, including carbon dioxide and oxygen, exchange with the bloodstream. This disease is found mainly in infants and young children. Bronchiolitis is often misdiagnosed as foreign objects inhaled into the child’s lung.
Causes of Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a contagious and often epidemic viral infection. It is most often caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is often found in young children. Some children will contract this disorder after every cold.
Signs and Symptoms of Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis produces sudden breathing difficulty. It is frequently preceded by a mild common cold and cough. Wheezing and rapid, shallow breathing occurs. In children, it can be up to 60 to 80 times a minute, Retractions, see-saw movements, of the chest and abdomen develop due to the force used in breathing. Occasionally, fever will develop as well as dehydration. When the condition is severe and it prevents the normal exchange of gases in the lung, cyanosis may occur, where the skin and nails appear blue.
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