A Common Respiratory Infection: Bronchiolitis
Posted By Clod on January 19, 2010
Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection that affects infants especially during winter months. Viral Infections do not respond to antibiotic treatment. This infection usually begins with symptoms of a cold. Then the baby develops a cough, fast breathing, and wheezing. The worst symptoms last for several days, but the cough may last longer.
CARING FOR A CHILD WITH BRONCHIOLITIS:
* Run a cool mist vaporizer at baby’s bedside while he/she sleeps. Change clothing and bedding dampened by the mist to prevent chilling.
* Tilt the baby’s mattress so that their head is raised slightly higher than their body.
* Encourage the baby to drink plenty of fluids, at least 2-3 ounces every 1 to 2 hours while awake.
* If the baby has a fever, Acetaminophen Infant Drops (Tylenol, Tempra, Panadol) may be given every 4 to 6 hours. For best effect, give a dose based on the baby’s weight:
o 6-11 lbs: 40mg (1/2 dropperful Infant Drops)
o 12-17 lbs: 80mg (1 dropperful Infant Drops or 1/2 teaspoon Elixir)
o 18-23 lbs: 120mg (1 1/2 dropperful Infant Drops or 3/4 teaspoon Elixir)
* Watch the baby’s breathing closely.
Call Your Doctor or Return to the Emergency Department If Your Child:
* seems to be having more trouble with breathing
* wheezing is worse and/or breathing is fast
* the stomach sucks in as the baby breathes in and the nostrils flare open
* the skin color is pale or grayish
* seems to have shortness of breath following a cough
* refuses to drink from the bottle or is not nursing well
* becomes sleepier and is not waking up for feedings as usual
* is irritable, sleeping poorly, and hard to calm
* has a rectal temperature 102 degrees C or higher
* has not wet the diaper in six to eight hours, the soft spot on the top of the head is sunken, and/or the mouth and lips appear dry.
See more: www.kshealth.org
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