1/27/2016

Why your baby may need wheezing TLC, not drugs

Why your baby may need wheezing TLC, not drugs
Why your baby may need wheezing TLC, not drugs - When a baby is sick with fever, coughing and wheezing, it is natural to think that they need is a drug - as an antibiotic, or one of the drugs used to treat wheezing in children with asthma (like albuterol). It is only if a condition called bronchiolitis is the culprit, the best treatment is no treatment. 

Bronchiolitis is a bad cold (caused by several viruses) that is installed in the lungs. When he does, leading to fever, heavy congestion, coughing and wheezing or noisy breathing. It is incredibly common.

In fact, five babies under 12 months ending in the doctor's office for bronchiolitis - and 2% to 3% until the end of hospitalization. It can be very serious, especially when it is caused by a particular virus called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

So here in the US It is rarely fatal, in other countries with less medical resources, thousands of babies die each year of bronchiolitis.

If it can be so serious, why the latest guidelines say doctors should not use antibiotics, albuterol, or other treatments? Because it does not help - and can have side effects that are not good for babies. 

Not that we can do nothing to help children with bronchiolitis. We just have to help in different ways.Some babies have a higher risk of getting really sick with bronchiolitis. Including premature babies, babies with lung disease or heart disease, and those who have problems with their immune systems are included.

For babies, it is recommended that they receive a monthly injection, called Synagis during the winter (around September-March) to help prevent RSV. If your baby falls into one of these categories and is under a year, you should definitely talk to your doctor about this treatment. 

For other babies, what we recommend is that families and caregivers use non-medical ways to help them feel more comfortable and breathe better. They understand:

       * plenty of fluids - dehydration can make things worse congestion
       * a humidifier to loosen congestion
       * a pear to clear the baby's nose (nasal saline drops, available in all pharmacies, can help you get the most out of the nose)

 
       * acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever.

You should always consult your doctor if you think your baby has bronchiolitis and your doctor may want to see the baby to ensure that nothing is done that needs treatment. You should also call your doctor if, after being diagnosed with bronchiolitis, your baby grows


       * high fever (over 102 degrees F), or a new bout of fever after being sick for a few days
       * shortness of breath that is not relieved humidifier or bulb syringe (signs include shortness of breath or rapid breathing, sucking around the coast)


       * a pale or blue skin
       * sleepiness and irritability which is much worse than normal
       * refusal to take fluids, or not wetting diapers every 6 hours.

It is more likely that they are not going to happen, and that your baby is well. As with medicine and parenthood that most babies with bronchiolitis need a lot of TLC - and a little patience.

By: Claire McCharthy, MD. 

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