Essay On Bronchiolitis

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What is bronchiolitis? Bronchiolitis is an inflammatory respiratory condition. It’s caused by a virus that affects the smallest air passages in the lungs. The job of the bronchioles is to control airflow in your lungs. When they become infected or damaged, they can swell or become clogged. This blocks the flow of oxygen. Although it’s generally a childhood condition, bronchiolitis can also affect adults. There are two types; Viral bronchiolitis, and bronchiolitis obliterans. Viral bronchiolitis is more common and can occur during the winter time and only in infants. This type happens because of respiratory syncytial virus. Bronchiolitis obliterans is a very rare and very dangerous condition that is only seen in adults. This blocks the air passages creating an airway obstruction that can’t be reversed. …show more content…

The infection makes the bronchioles swell and become inflamed. Mucus collects in these airways, which makes it difficult for air to flow freely in and out of the lungs.
Most cases of bronchiolitis are caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a common virus that infects just about every child by the age of 2. Outbreaks of the RSV infection occur every winter. Bronchiolitis can also be caused by other viruses, including those that cause the flu or the common cold. Infants can be reinfected with RSV because at least two strains exist.
The viruses that cause bronchiolitis are easily spread. You can contract them through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks. You can also get them by touching shared objects — such as utensils, towels or toys — and then touching your eyes, nose or

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