An Irish doctor has warned of a relatively common virus that affects children is "back with a bang".
Dr Niamh Lynch took to Twitter to tell parents about Bronchiolitis which is most commonly found in children aged under two and is usually more severe in younger patients.
Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection caused by a virus called Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
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It can be spread when someone coughs or sneezes and so is easily picked up by young children.
The virus affects babies and young children under two years old, especially those under six months old.
The HSE says most cases are mild and clear up within 2 to 3 weeks without treatment.
However, in more serious cases, children with Bronchiolitis will need to be cared for in hospital.
The consultant paediatrician, normally based in the Bons Secours hospital in Cork city, has almost 7,500 followers on Twitter and uses the social media app to share advice and let people know exactly what to look out for.
Dr Lynch said: "Bronchiolitis rarely gets the attention it deserves, even though it leads to multiple paediatric ICU admissions every year."
She laid out the four main symptoms and exactly what parents need to check if they think their child has the virus.
- Airway - If there is any abnormal sound when your child is breathing in or out then seek medical attention.
- Breathing - If your child is flaring their nostril, bobbing their head or sucking their chest in while breathing, seek medical attention.
- Skin - Skin colour and temperature reflects circulation. If your child's skin is cold, pale or grey then seek medical attention.
- Gut - Trust your gut. If you have any worries about your child, bring them to a doctor to get checked up.
Bronchiolitis usually begins like a cold.
Your child may display symptoms such as
- runny nose
- blocked nose
- mild fever (temperature of 38 degrees Celsius)
- slight cough
Further symptoms usually develop over the next few days, including:
- a slight high temperature
- a dry and persistent cough
- rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing)
- feeding less
- fewer wet nappies
- vomiting after feeding
- being irritable
For more information on Bronchiolitis, how to spot symptoms and what action you should take if you suspect your child may have the virus, go to the HSE page that has comprehensive facts on this condition. Just click here.
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