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What's Going Around in the Community?

Bronchiolitis (and RSV)

Symptoms

We are currently seeing cases of bronchiolitis, a viral illness (sometimes caused by RSV -- "respiratory syncytial virus") that occurs most often in children under age 2. This virus typically occurs in epidemics during the winter and the early spring. "Bronchioles" are the smallest airways in our lungs, and "itis" means these airways are inflamed, or irritated, by the virus. When these airways get inflamed in young children, they often will start to "wheeze," meaning air and the oxygen in it have difficulty getting through these narrowed, swollen airways.

With a case of bronchiolitis, your child's symptoms may begin with a runny nose, a fever, and a harsh, tight cough. If it progresses to wheezing, your child may start to breathe rapidly and "pull" with his/her abdomen and rib muscles with each breath. Please call us for an appointment if your child�s breathing becomes labored or difficult.

Colds and Upper Respiratory Infections

Symptoms

Colds, upper respiratory infections, and URIs are common terms we use to describe viral illnesses that cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, and cough. The fever usually lasts for 2-3 days, and the cough with congestion and runny nose may last for 5-10 days. The typical preschool-age child may experience 6-10 colds per year. Most colds resolve on their own with rest and fluids, but some may lead to ear infection, sinus infection, asthma attack, or other complications. If you are concerned about the possibility of one of these complications, please have your child seen in our office for an evaluation.

See Also : Colds , Sinus Pain or Congestion

Cough

Symptoms

We are currently seeing children and adolescents with cough, typically one of the most prominent and bothersome symptoms of viral respiratory infections at this time of year. Coughing is an important and beneficial reflex that our bodies need to clear secretions and to keep open our major airways during the course of a viral cold or upper respiratory infection. However, severe or persistent cough can be associated with asthma, pneumonia, sinus infections, and bronchiolitis, and should be evaluated by your health care provider.

Croup

Symptoms

We are currently seeing cases of croup, a viral respiratory illness that most often is caused by the parainfluenza virus. The cough and breathing that are associated with croup make it distinctly different from other viral colds or respiratory illnesses. This is because the parainfluenza virus infects and irritates the voice box, the vocal cords, and the windpipe. The cough is worse at night, and it has a distinct bark that sounds much like a seal's bark. Associated with the barky cough, your child may have difficulty when inhaling air, making a labored and whistling sound when breathing in -- called stridor. Humidified air and fluids often are the most helpful treatments.Please call the office to have your child evaluated by the doctor if he/she has symptoms of croup

Gastroenteritis

Symptoms

This spring we are seeing cases of viral gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines that results in vomiting or diarrhea. It is often called the "stomach flu" although it is not caused by the influenza viruses.

The main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are watery diarrhea and vomiting. Your child may also have a headache, fever and abdominal cramps ("stomach ache"). It may last 1 to 10 days, depending on which virus causes the illness and it is contagious.

The most important thing you can do for your child is to prevent severe loss of fluids (dehydration) by replacing fluids lost through vomiting or diarrhea. The Center for Disease Control recommends that families with infants and young children keep a supply of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) at home to use when diarrhea first occurs. It is available without prescription at pharmacies. Medications, including antibiotics, should be avoided unless specifically recommended by your pediatrician.