How can you tell the difference between pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children?

A high fever (> 39°C) and focal crackles on chest auscultation are consistent with the infant having pneumonia rather than bronchiolitis. Wheeze is less common in infants with pneumonia, however, the presence or absence of wheeze alone is insufficient to distinguish between bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Can bronchiolitis cause pneumonia?

In rare cases, bronchiolitis can be accompanied by a bacterial lung infection called pneumonia. Pneumonia will need to be treated separately. Contact your GP immediately if any of these complications occur.

Is bronchiolitis a viral pneumonia?

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.

What is the difference between bronchiolitis and bronchitis?

The key difference between the two is that bronchitis involves inflammation of the airways that lead to the windpipe, whereas bronchiolitis involves the inflammation of the small airways that branch off the bronchi, called the bronchioles.

When should I take my child to the hospital for bronchiolitis?

Go to the nearest GP or hospital emergency department if your baby: has difficulty breathing, irregular breaths or fast breathing at rest. cannot feed normally because of coughing or wheezing.

When do bronchiolitis symptoms peak?

The illness typically peaks around day 3 to 5 with a resolution of the wheeze and respiratory distress over 7 – 10 days. The cough may continue for up to 4 weeks.

Does bronchiolitis get worse at night?

Symptoms are often worse at night. Illness usually starts to improve after two to three days. Infection may be worse and last for longer in very young children (under three months), premature babies or children with lung or heart problems.

What is the underlying cause of respiratory failure in a child with bronchiolitis?

Most cases of bronchiolitis are caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a common virus that infects just about every child by 2 years of age.

Can you take a baby out with bronchiolitis?

There’s no medicine that can kill the virus that causes bronchiolitis, but you should be able to ease mild symptoms and make your child more comfortable. To avoid the infection spreading to other children, take your child out of nursery or day care and keep them at home until their symptoms have improved.

How long does bronchiolitis cough last?

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.

Is bronchiolitis worse at night?

How can you tell the difference between pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children? A high fever (> 39°C) and focal crackles on chest auscultation are consistent with the infant having pneumonia rather than bronchiolitis. Wheeze is less common in infants with pneumonia, however, the presence or absence of wheeze alone is insufficient to distinguish between bronchiolitis…