Urgent warning to parents over infection that can leave babies struggling to breathe – the 6 signs you need to know
A DOCTOR is warning parents to be on the lookout for symptoms of an infection which can leave young children struggling to breathe.
Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection that affects babies.
It's usually mild and can be treated at home, but in some cases it can be life-threatening.
The nasty condition is typically caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - which is currently on the rise among children.
Figures show RSV cases are higher than normal, and experts believe it’s because Covid lockdowns have left many children with no immunity.
Naomi Watt, a respiratory nurse specialist at UK, has issued a warning to parents about what symptoms to look out for.
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She told the Sun: “Bronchiolitis is a viral chest infection that affects babies and children under two years old more severely than older children - especially if they were born prematurely or have problems with their immune systems.
"Most babies will only have mild symptoms, including a dry and persistent raspy cough, some difficulty breathing, or noisy breathing.
The nurse added: "If your baby has mild symptoms, you can usually look after them at home, and they’ll recover in about five days.
"But always speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
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“However some babies will have more severe bronchiolitis symptoms."
She said: "If your baby has a cold that goes on longer than usual, then look out for these symptoms: if your child’s breathing is becoming hard work for them, if they aren’t feeding well), if your child is more sleepy and less alert than usual, and/or that their body temperature is above 37.5 degrees."
The 6 signs of bronchiolitis you need to know
A child with bronchiolitis may experience symptoms, such as:
- sneezing, a runny or blocked nose,
- a cough and a slightly high temperature of 38C.
- breathing more quickly
- finding it difficult to feed or eat
- noisy breathing (wheezing)
- becoming irritable
Symptoms are usually worst between days three and five, and the cough usually gets better in three weeks.
Source: NHS
The UK is currently blighted by common childhood bugs that have not circulated for years due to lockdowns.
Scarlet fever cases in children, caused by the Strep A bacteria, are through the roof.
At least 24 children have died after catching invasive Strep A across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Cases of norovirus - a common tummy bug - are also rising in England just days before families get together for Christmas.
And experts have warned of a flu-like "super cold" that millions are struggling to shake.
The UKHSA said hospital admissions for flu are also highest among children under five.
Chief nursing officer Dame Ruth May said hospital cases of the respiratory syntactical virus (RSV) winter bug are at a five-year high.