•  
  •  

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the small air passages (bronchioles), usually caused by a virus (respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is one such virus).

Bronchiolitis usually affects children under the age of 2 years. It is the leading cause of serious lower respiratory illness in infants.

Symptoms of bronchiolitis include labored, rapid breathing with wheezing and a "tight"-sounding cough. If the infection becomes severe, the infant's breathing rate may increase noticeably. If severe difficulty breathing occurs, immediate medical attention is needed.

Last Revised: July 7, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.