Khaberni - Dr. Madhat Al-Buqai, a pediatric disease specialist, said that the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the primary cause of bronchiolitis in children. It is a virus that infects the respiratory system and its symptoms in most cases are similar to those of the common cold, with an increase in cases during the winter season.
Dr. Al-Buqai explained that most children are infected with their first RSV infection before they reach the age of two, with a higher likelihood during the second year of life. He noted that the virus is transmitted from one person to another through aerosols expelled during coughing or sneezing or through direct contact with contaminated hands and surfaces. The virus can remain on hands for about 20 minutes and on paper tissues for around 45 minutes.
He pointed out that the symptoms of infection may be mild and include a runny nose, loss of appetite, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and a fever. However, some cases may develop into lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, and may be accompanied by difficulty or rapid breathing and oxygen shortage, especially in premature children, and in severe cases, may require hospitalization or the use of ventilators.
He added that an infection may pass without symptoms in some adults, but older adults and those suffering from chronic heart and lung diseases or weakened immune systems may face serious complications like pneumonia.
Dr. Al-Buqai stressed the importance of adhering to preventive measures upon infection, including keeping the patient at home, avoiding going to community facilities such as kindergartens, keeping away from people who are more at risk, and strongly advised against grandparents caring for young children during the infection period.
He also called for compliance with personal hygiene rules, including covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, frequent hand washing, and regular cleaning of surfaces and commonly used items to limit the spread of infection.
