Bronchiolitis is an infection in the lungs that most commonly
affects babies from three to six months old. Is generally occurs
in autumn and winter. At first, children with bronchiolitis may
look appear to have a common cold but then symptoms will
progress to wheezing and difficulty breathing. What causes
bronchiolitis? Bronchiolitis is generally caused by the
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), metapneumovirus , or a
combination of viruses that cause other colds and flu. When the
virus enters the respiratory system, it can cause inflammation
of the bronchioli, the airway branches in the lungs. Mucous in
the bronchioli then clogs the airways, making it hard to
breathe. Although anyone can contract the viruses that cause
bronchiolitis, the illness tends to produce more severe symptoms
in babies because their bronchioles are much smaller than those
of older children and adults and can become more easily clogged.
Is bronchiolitis serious? Bronchiolitis is usually not serious
in otherwise healthy children. But chi