Bronchiolitis (RSV)

   Michael Jaffe, M.D., FAAP
   Amelia H. Colley, M.D., FAAP
   Philip A. J. Dawson, M.D., FAAP
   Scott J. Iwashyna, M.D.

West End Pediatrics, P.C.
9606 Patterson Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23229

(804) 741-3105 fax
(804) 740-6171 office

posted 9/10/07
Bronchiolitis (RSV)

Bronchiolitis is a respiratory illness usually caused by RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and symptoms are most severe in children under 2 years old. Those older than 2 usually just get cold symptoms.

Besides the normal cold symptoms, young children often have wheezing. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound, usually accompanied by a “tight” cough, that you hear when your child breaths out. This is caused by narrowing and inflammation of their small airways. The symptoms are asthma-like but is NOT asthma. The wheezing usually last for 2 to 3 days and then improves. The cold symptoms will last about a week but the cough may last for 2 to 3 weeks.

Most children under 2 will have some wheezing. This is often mild and can be easily managed at home or in our office. Only 1 % of children require hospitalization because of oxygen or IV fluid needs.

Our office needs to be called if breathing becomes more difficult, if the wheezing is worsening, if they haven’t urinated in 8 hours, or if their breathing gets faster than 40 to 60 breaths per minute.

Remember, bronchiolitis is usually just a bad cold even for those under 2 years old. If you notice wheezing or rapid breathing please call the office.

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Michael Jaffe, M.D., FAAP - Amelia Colley, M.D., FAAP - Philip A. J. Dawson, M.D., FAAP - Scott J. Iwashyna, M.D.
West End Pediatrics, P.C. 9606 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23229
Office: (804) 740-6171 FAX: (804) 741-3105