03/06/2024 – 21:24
Bronchiolitis cases rose 34% in the state of Rio de Janeiro in the last two weeks, mainly affecting babies aged 1 month to 2 years. The respiratory syncytial virus (VSL) remains one of the main infectious agents, causing an increase in hospitalizations in the state’s public network.
“Bronchiolitis is a clinical condition caused by inflammation of the terminal bronchiole, responsible for gas exchange and oxygenation. The smaller the child, the more serious the bronchiolitis condition can be. This is because a small airway can be much more compromised by secretion and inflammation. What would be just a common cold in an adult can cause serious harm to a baby, especially those under one year of age”, explains the pediatrician at the State Department of Health, Fernanda Fialho.
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The specialist warns about the signs that can serve as a warning of a worsening of the disease: extreme prostration, refusal to eat, difficulty breastfeeding, as well as difficulty breathing. “If the baby presents any of these symptoms, it is time to seek emergency care,” explained the pediatrician.
Bronchiolitis can be caused by several infectious agents, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, parainfluenza and adenovirus. RSV is the main infectious agent of bronchiolitis, but there is still no vaccine available for children. However, immunization against Influenza and Covid-19 is available at health centers and has a positive impact on containing these cases, which continue to increase in health units.
The secretariat is promoting a series of training for health professionals who work in emergencies at state network units and for doctors from the 92 municipalities in the state who work in Primary Care.
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