Types of bronchiolitis

There are two main types of bronchiolitis:

Viral bronchiolitis

Most cases of viral bronchiolitis are due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Viral outbreaks occur every autumn and winter Trusted Source and primarily affect children younger than 2 years old, with infants under 6 months at the highest risk of severe illness.

Bronchiolitis obliterans

Bronchiolitis obliterans, or popcorn lung, is a rare and dangerous condition seen in adults caused by severe lung infections or chronic exposure to toxins in the air such as formaldehyde, ammonia, or metal oxide fumes. This disease causes scarring in the bronchioles. Scarring blocks air passages and causes airway obstruction that can’t be reversed.

What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis?

According to the American Lung Association, the initial symptoms of bronchiolitis often mimic common cold symptoms. They may include:

• runny nose
• fever
• stuffy nose
• loss of appetite
• cough

Over the next several days, symptoms often get worse before gradually getting better. They might include:

• shortness of breath
• wheezing
• worsening cough that may be raspy
• brief pauses in breathing
• irritability
• vomiting after eating
• having fewer wet diapers than usual
• fatigue

According to the National Health Service, symptoms are generally worse between days 3 to 5.

It’s a good idea to contact your child’s doctor if they:

• are breathing faster than usual
• having difficulty breathing
• have significant appetite loss
• have a persistent fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
• are very tired or irritable
• haven’t had a wet diaper in 12 hours

It’s particularly important to seek medical attention if your infant is less than 12 weeks old or has a heart or lung condition.

Bronchiolitis obliterans symptoms tend to flare up when exercising or doing manual labor. Symptoms generally develop over weeks to months and most commonly include:

• wheezing
• dry cough
• shortness of breath
• fatigue
• eye, skin, mouth, or nose irritation, if caused by chemical exposure

WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL ATTENTION

If your child experiences any of the following, you should call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room:

• extremely fast breathing
• an inability to wake or to stay awake
• skin, lips, nail beds, or tongue that turn pale or blue
• long pauses in their breathing or regular short pauses
• signs of difficulty breathing, such as grunting or visible rise and fall of their stomach
• visible muscles under their ribs while breathing
• nasal flaring while breathing