Every year, as soon as winter begins, nearly half a million infants suffer from coughing, bronchial congestion and difficulty breathing, characteristic symptoms of respiratory inflammation well known to mothers. This dreaded inflammation is none other than bronchiolitis, an acute condition that affects the bronchioles, small air ducts located inside the pulmonary lobules. While it is true that the disease most often occurs because of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is usually transmitted quite quickly, it is good to know that other viruses can also be responsible for bronchiolitis.
Contrary to what one might think, bronchiolitis cannot be treated with the drugs traditionally recommended for bronchitis insofar as they have no effect on the disease. Thus, the only classic treatment that can really be used is respiratory physiotherapy, a therapy that effectively unclogs congested passages through a series of very specific chest massages. Nevertheless, it is still important to know that it is strongly advised not to use physiotherapy when the infection is only in its first stage, at the risk of promoting even greater bronchial congestion.
As a result, homeopathic treatment is perfectly indicated in case of bronchiolitis since it can be started very early, i.e. as soon as the first cough appears. When the remedies are administered in time, it is never long before the improvement is felt. In the event of a very favourable outcome, it is even possible to avoid respiratory physiotherapy sessions, which are most of the time very unpleasant for infants. But if the healing is slower and massages are therefore mandatory, it is useful to know that homeopathy allows, in the majority of cases, to optimize the results obtained during the sessions by promoting better drainage of mucus. In addition, homeopathy is particularly indicated in young children prone to repetitive respiratory infections, since it prevents future infections while minimizing the risk of asthma onset.
Symptoms of bronchiolitis
As a general rule, bronchiolitis always begins with the manifestation of symptoms in the nasal mucous membranes. Thus, the disease usually begins with a mild cold before quickly leading to a persistent cough characteristic of inflammation. At this stage, the infant already has some difficulty breathing, in particular because of the deposit of mucus that obstructs the airways. In many cases, congestion is accompanied by sibilance, wheezing that occurs mainly during bronchiole stenosis with or without mucus. If not treated properly, bronchiolitis can in some cases result in hospitalization of the sick infant or young child. Once the inflammation has subsided, coughing episodes sometimes persist for more than two weeks without this implying that the disease is not cured.
Treatment of bronchiolitis
As soon as the first symptoms appear, the infant or young child should be given 5 granules of Blatta orientalis 5 CH and 5 granules of Ipeca 7 CH every hour, until the intensity of the attack gradually decreases. When the symptoms begin to subside, it will be necessary to adjust the dosage by gradually reducing the frequency of intake. In the case of respiratory physiotherapy, it will be possible to optimize the drainage carried out during the sessions by using remedies based on Antimonium tartaricum or Drosera rotundifolia.
In
terms of prevention, it is important to know that the remedies traditionally recommended are generally made from Calcarea carbonica ostrearum, Avian or Sulphide Iodatum. However, as the preventive treatment of bronchiolitis is above all a basic treatment, it will therefore be up to the homeopathic doctor to adapt the prescription in order to prevent the appearance of new attacks.
When to see a doctor?
From the beginning of the disease, it is imperative to consult a doctor so that he or she can judge the seriousness of the situation and decide on the course of action. Although homeopathic treatment brings a significant improvement in the vast majority of cases, it is essential to seek the advice of a health professional to prevent any possible aggravation. Similarly, if the symptoms persist and worsen after the consultation, it will be particularly important to carry out a second consultation in order to avoid any risk of respiratory distress.
Some useful recommendations
As bronchiolitis is a contagious disease, it is useful to remember that certain basic precautions considerably reduce the risk of contamination. So, it's good to know that respiratory syncytial virus doesn't become completely inactive until about eight hours later, which means it's important to wash your hands thoroughly before bottle-feeding, carrying, or changing the baby. Even in winter, it is necessary that the air in the house is regularly renewed and that the various rooms are well ventilated. Finally, it is important that the infant or young child has as little contact as possible with anyone suffering from a cold or flu.
