How serious is bronchiolitis in adults?

How serious is bronchiolitis in adults?

Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare and dangerous condition seen in adults. This disease causes scarring in the bronchioles. This blocks the air passages creating an airway obstruction that can’t be reversed.

Can bronchiolitis affect you later in life?

Respiratory conditions in later life There may be a link between bronchiolitis and developing respiratory conditions such as asthma in later life.

What can bronchiolitis lead to?

Complications of severe bronchiolitis may include: Blue lips or skin (cyanosis), caused by lack of oxygen. Pauses in breathing (apnea), which is most likely to occur in premature babies and in babies within the first two months of life. Dehydration.

Can bronchiolitis be permanent?

For cases related to infection, bronchiolitis often heals completely. If it results from a toxic exposure, such as inhaling acid, some symptoms can be permanent. In rare situations, such as when bronchiolitis occurs after transplants, it may result in death or the need for lung transplant.

How do you get rid of bronchiolitis in adults?

There is no cure. It usually takes about 2 or 3 weeks for the infection to go away. Antibiotics and cold medicines are not effective in treating it. Most children with bronchiolitis can be treated at home.

Can bronchiolitis spread to adults?

Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that causes the airways (bronchioles) in the lungs to become narrow, which makes breathing difficult. It occurs most often in children under age 2 during winter and early spring. Very rarely, adults can get bronchiolitis.

When should I be concerned about bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection, caused by a virus, that affects babies up to 12 months old. Babies are usually sick for seven to 10 days. They are infectious in the first few days of illness. Seek medical attention if your baby is having trouble breathing, feeding or drinking.

Will an inhaler help bronchiolitis?

Some children hospitalised with bronchiolitis may have wheeziness episodes with coughs and colds while they are young. While they may benefit from using inhalers, this doesn’t mean they’ll be diagnosed with asthma. If your child had severe bronchiolitis, they may have a cough for several weeks afterwards.

What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis in adults?

Runny nose, fever, stuffy nose, loss of appetite and cough are the first signs of the infection. Symptoms may worsen after a few days and may include wheezing, shortness of breath, and worsening of the cough.

What causes bronchiolitis in adults?

The viruses that cause most cases of bronchiolitis are the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the rhinovirus and the influenza (flu) virus. These viruses are very contagious and are spread from person to person by touching secretions from the mouth or nose or by respiratory droplets in the air.

What is bronchiolitis and how is it treated?

Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection that affects babies and young children under 2 years old. Most cases are mild and clear up within 2 to 3 weeks without the need for treatment, although some children have severe symptoms and need hospital treatment.

What virus causes bronchiolitis in children?

In most cases, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible. RSV is a very common virus and almost all children are infected with it by the time they’re 2 years old. In older children and adults, RSV may cause a cough or cold, but in young children it can cause bronchiolitis. Viruses are spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

When should I see a GP for bronchiolitis?

Most cases of bronchiolitis are not serious, but see your GP or call NHS 111 if: your child has taken less than half their usual amount during the last 2 or 3 feeds, or they have had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more A diagnosis of bronchiolitis is based on your child’s symptoms and an examination of their breathing.

Is it possible to get bronchiolitis more than once?

It’s possible to get bronchiolitis more than once during the same season. There’s no medication to kill the virus that causes bronchiolitis, but the infection usually clears up within 2 weeks without the need for treatment. Most children can be cared for at home in the same way that you’d treat a cold.