What is bronchiolitis?

The bronchiolitis is a viral infection due to the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) which causes the inflammation of the small bronchi.
It is a contagious disease which is transmitted via air, nasal secretions, toys and hands. The primary symptoms often are running nose and cough .

The first phase is generally called “the dry period”: the baby usually develops a dry cough and a wheezy breathing.
This is followed by the second phase of the disease which is called “the wet period”: baby starts to secrete mucus and the cough becomes wet. This is the phase when the daily chest physiotherapy is the most necessary and effective.

The baby will often feel weak during the bronchiolitis. This happens because mucus interferes with breathing, which reduces appetite and sleeping hours.

Chest physiotherapy clears the lungs and respiratory ways, which allows the baby to breathe and sleep better, and increases his appetite. That also helps avoiding secondary pulmonary infections.

The chest physiotherapy will considerably reduce the duration and the intensity of the illness: you and your baby will certainly appreciate the benefits.

Bronchiolitis is a common infection; however, it must be taken seriously, because in some cases child can develop lack of oxygen and may have to be admitted to a hospital with respiratory distress.

The illness generally lasts between 10 and 15 days and the cough often persists for a few more days.