Bronchiolitis

We are currently seeing cases of bronchiolitis, a viral illness that occurs most often in children under age 2. Its most common cause is the "respiratory syncytial virus," often referred to as "RSV." 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 both the air and the oxygen 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 sharp cough. If it progresses to wheezing, your child will start to breathe rapidly and will "pull" with his/her abdomen and rib muscles with each breath. A physician should be consulted if your child has these symptoms.

Colds and Upper Respiratory Infections

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.

Cough

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

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.

Sore Throats

We are currently seeing cases of sore throats, also known as pharyngitis or tonsillitis, meaning that the pharynx and the tonsils are inflamed and irritated. Most often, a sore throat is part of a viral cold or upper respiratory infection, and will improve itself as the cold improves. Sometimes, your child may develop a fever, a sore throat, a headache, a rash, or a stomachache without any other viral symptoms, such as a cough, a runny nose, and congestion. These symptoms most often are associated with strep throat. Bacteria, called Group A strep, cause this type of sore throat. Strep throat typically is seen in school-age children during the late fall, winter, and spring seasons. To diagnose strep throat, your physician will require a swab of your child's throat, and prescribe antibiotics to cure it.

Vomiting and Diarrhea

We are currently seeing viral illnesses that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Usually called viral gastroenteritis, the virus causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach and the intestines, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, vomiting and a low-grade fever start first, followed by diarrhea that may persist for several days. Rotavirus is a specific virus occurring during the winter months that can cause significant diarrhea in infants and children. Occasionally, it can lead to hospitalization for dehydration. Ensuring that your infant or child drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated during this illness is the mainstay of treatment.