Bronchitis causes inflammation of thebronchi(and bronchioles to a degree) and can affect people of any age.
Both are often due to viral infections, but the particular viruses responsible frequently differ.
How Long Do Bronchiolitis Symptoms Last?
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Altogether, symptoms last around two weeks, although coughing and wheezing sometimes last longer.
Other symptoms may include:
An elevatedrespiratory rateis an important sign and has been coined the neglected vital sign.
Non-infectious bronchitis may also occur due to exposure to irritants such as smoke or dust.
The infection generally needs to run its course.
Both bronchiolitis and bronchitis last, on average, around two weeks.
However, a cough or wheezing may persist for some people, even beyond three weeks.
Saline nose drops (and a suction bulb if necessary) may help relieve some congestion.
Inpatient treatment may include:
Nebulized hypertonic saline may help with airway swelling in infants.
Antibiotics are recommended only if there is clear evidence of a secondary bacterial infection present.
When very severe, mechanical ventilation may be needed.
This would protect the infant during their first RSV season.
Beyfortus is given as a single shot.
Beyfortus cannot cure ortreat a child diagnosed with RSV.
For fever or discomfort, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is usually recommended.
Resting, including taking a nap during the day if needed, cant be understated.
Should You Take Cough Medicine?
Other treatments will depend on how symptoms progress.
For example, if a secondary bacterial infection should develop, antibiotics may be necessary.
With bronchiolitis, low oxygen levels (hypoxia) requiring oxygen supplementation may occur and require hospitalization.
Dehydration may also occur and can be treated with IV fluids.
With severe disease, respiratory failure may sometimes occur, requiring mechanical ventilation and sedation.
Bacterial co-infections, such asear infections(otitis media) andurinary tract infections, have also been seen.
The risk was roughly three times higher than for those who did not have these infections.
One of the most common complications of bronchitis is a secondary pneumonia which is most commonly bacterial.
Potentially worrisome symptoms are listed below and frequently present in younger people who go on to developpneumonia.
Since bronchiolitis often occurs in young infants, it can be very frightening for parents.
Your instinct as a parent is often the best diagnostic test available.
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