Bronchiolitis in infants and young children

French doctors have noted an upsurge in cases of bronchiolitis in young children, generally under the ages of two.

The onset has been more abrupt in recent years, with symptoms setting in sooner and more sharply than previously. 

Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory tract infection that is caused by a virus which typically infects young children. Tiny airways called bronchioles become swollen and filled with mucus which makes breathing difficult. 

In adults, symptoms will often go undetected, but small children with underdeveloped immune systems are more susceptible and present more serious forms of the illness.

The virus spreads easily from person to person through tiny saliva droplets that are projected through coughing or sneezing. The virus remains active on hands and objects and therefore hand-to-mouth contact is a common route of infection.

Bronchiolitis typically starts with a simple cold (stuffy or runny nose) and light coughing. The cough then becomes more frequent and the breathing can become wheezy. The child may have trouble breathing; eating and sleeping can also be disturbed. A fever may also be present.

If your child or infant is coughing or has difficulties breathing, consult a doctor, especially in the presence of fever.

If your child has been diagnosed with bronchiolitis, it is recommended that you maintain good hygiene practices with your child (hand-washing, nose-cleaning, airing the rooms where the child eats and sleeps...) and offer your child smaller but more frequent portions of food as well as plenty of liquids to drink.

Doctors advise that parents should closely follow the recommended vaccination calendar and notably ensure their child is up to date with his or her whooping cough (coqueluche) vaccinations.