Pune: Amid the fear of the third wave, pulmonary disorders are commonly seen among infants and children. There has been a sudden uptick in the number of cases of bronchiolitis shown in RSV test caused due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children. The spike in this viral infection is due to the seasonal occurrence as the rainy season is underway and winter is approaching now. Thus, parents need to make sure that there is a hygienic atmosphere at home, with appropriate ventilation for children.
There is an outbreak in paediatric respiratory cases but fortunately, they are Non-Covid at present. The number of children with bad cough, cold, and fever has gone up. On investigating them, they test negative for Covid-19 but come positive for common cold viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or Parainfluenza viruses that is leading to bronchiolitis. This respiratory tract infection is taking a toll on children.
Dr Tushar Parikh, Consultant Neonatologist & Paediatrician, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, said “Bronchiolitis is a lung infection seen in infants and young children of age group 0-2 years It leads to inflammation, swelling, and congestion in the small airways (bronchioles) of the lung, and is commonly seen during the winter owing to cold weather. This condition causes breathing problems. Premature babies who were discharged from the hospital are more severely affected as their lungs are immature. Most cases of bronchiolitis are seen due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This virus causes bronchiolitis that spreads via the air when one cough or sneezes or handshakes. Germs are present on hands, toys, faucets, doorknobs, tissues, and other surfaces, and is contagious for several days or even weeks. The children complain of symptoms like wheezing, cold, rapid breathing, dry cough, congested or runny nose, poor feeding, irritability, tiredness, fever, sneezing, and a headache for a week. I have treated around 100 children with this condition in the last 2 -3 months.
Dr Parikh added, “Infants and children may be at the risk of bronchiolitis as their lungs and immune systems are weak. Other factors like preterm birth, underlying lung condition, when the children haven’t breastfeed, second-hand smoke, spending a lot of time in crowded environments, and lack of hygiene can also be the culprits. Not treating the children at the right time can lead to low SPO2 levels, dehydration pauses in breathing, hospital admissions, viral pneumonia, and respiratory failure. Moreover, children with RSV will be susceptible with Covid-19.”
Dr Pradeep Alhate, Paediatrician, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Pune said “RSV infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract leading to bronchiolitis that is an inflammation of the small airway passages entering the lungs. It occurs in young children, especially premature infants and those who have underlying lung disease, heart disease, or problems with their immune systems. This illness starts to like the common cold and starts getting a cough, wheezing, difficulty in breathing symptoms may last for a week to a month. Some may get cyanosis. Intercostal or costophrenic recession is an alarming sign needing hospitalization. Treatment is saline nasal drops, oxygen, propped up position, and ensuring good fluid intake. Because of quarantine, many illnesses which usually are abundant in the rainy season are much less this year. Symptoms of RSV infection overlap with Covid-19. Hence, proper diagnosis is key. Do not give any over-the-counter medication to the baby as the treating doctor will decide the line of treatment. Also, there is no vaccine to tackle this condition. Taking precautions like avoiding kissing the baby or handshaking, wearing a mask near children, keeping the baby away from sick people, breastfeed the baby and keep children hydrated by giving enough fluids.”
Dr Parikh said, “There is no specific treatment for RSV infection. The infection goes away within a week or two. Children will be given medication to ease symptoms like fever, cough, and cold. Some premature babies may get severely ill needing oxygen for which hospital or ICU admission is needed. Similarly, various measures like washing hands before touching children, avoiding social gatherings and crowded places with the babies till they turn 1, cleaning and disinfecting the frequently touched surfaces, covering mouth while coughing, and sneezing near the baby, not smoking when the baby is around and washing the child’s toys regularly can be helpful in preventing bronchiolitis.”
