From mid-October until the end of winter, it is the period of bronchiolitis. A highly contagious respiratory disease which is rampant in crèches and other nursery schools. On average, 30% of children under 2 are infected each year. Sacred record! Behind often impressive symptoms, especially for young parents (cough, wheezing), bronchiolitis is often benign. When Baby is concerned, it is of course necessary to consult a pediatrician or doctor, and provide him with an appropriate treatment to treat bronchiolitis. But on a daily basis, there are also small gestures to promote or scrupulously avoid, for the sake of his well-being and his health.
Leave it at school or daycare
Whether or not to keep a child at home is the eternal question of parents. If your toddler is showing symptoms of bronchiolitis, it’s best to stay home as much as possible. First of all, because his breathing, his diet and his state of hydration require monitoring. Then, because bronchiolitis is a very contagious disease. Better to stem the epidemic, as much as possible!
Overheat your room
When Baby is in bad shape, we have only one desire: to make his room a warm and cozy cocoon. However, overheating the room is a bad idea! Too much heating will dry out the surrounding air, which can be harmful for baby’s breathing, as it will dry out his mucous membranes and aggravate their irritation. Ideally, his room should have a temperature of 19°C, and a humidity level of between 40% and 60%. If he seems to be cold, it is better to cover him or dress him warmer. Regularly, even in winter and when he is sick, open the window to change the air in the house, avoid indoor pollution, and reduce the number of viruses and bacteria still present in the air.
Practice certain respiratory physiotherapy techniques
A few years ago, respiratory physiotherapy was a safe bet to soothe the symptoms of bronchiolitis in infants. Since 2019, the High Authority for Health has reviewed its copy: respiratory physio is no longer recommended on children under one year old, and some methods are contraindicated. This practice could take different forms, but the objective was to bring up the mucus from the bronchi to the throat by pressing his hands along the belly and ribs, and thus to have them evacuated by a child whose cough would not be enough. efficient. Due to a lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness, this method is no longer recommended. Some doctors even believe that it is counterproductive, since it tires the child for nothing. ” Today, respiratory physiotherapy techniques using postural drainage, vibration and clapping are contraindicated in acute bronchiolitis. Respiratory physiotherapy by increased expiratory flow (EFA) is not recommended for hospitalized infants “Writes the HAS.
Give him a cough syrup
Baby coughs and you feel sorry for him. So, although her pediatrician hasn’t said anything about it, you’re tempted to invest in a cough syrup. Bad idea ! First of all, because these drugs are not suitable for toddlers. Then, because their effectiveness has not been demonstrated in children, while they can have side effects. Finally, because coughing is useful and necessary to declutter the respiratory system. If you want to help your child, wash their nose regularly.
Smoking near baby when sick
You know, passive smoking is never a good idea. This is particularly the case for a baby, especially when the latter is sick. Exposing your child to cigarette smoke worsens the symptoms of his illness, especially his breathing difficulties, and promotes relapses.
Stop breastfeeding during bronchiolitis
Of course, you breastfeed if and when you want. However, be aware that studies have shown that breast milk contains antibodies that help the infant fight infections. “Do not hesitate to continue it if it goes well, by giving shorter and more frequent feedings to your child if he has bronchiolitis, so as not to tire him too much, and to limit the risk of vomiting. (related to abdominal contractions on an overly full stomach)“, advocates Dr. Emilie Eyssartier, pediatric surgeon and medical director at Biloba.
Read also:
- What is the correct position to lay baby down when he has bronchiolitis?
- 8 questions you have about the new bronchiolitis vaccine for babies