Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Child With Bronchiolitis. Is This Contagious?
Question: Hello, my 10 week old baby has Bronchiolitis. Is this contagious to adults or childhood condition?
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query to XXXXXXX
Bronchiolitis in babies are caused by viruses like Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV), Adenovirus, Rhinovirus etc. These viruses cause inflammation in the small bronchioles of the windpipe leading to signs of Respiratory distress. Usually this is a self-limiting condition and requires only supportive line of management.
Since an adult has already been exposed to such viruses earlier in childhood, they have good immunity and their lungs are matured they are not infected with these viruses. Therefore, Bronchiolitis is essentially a childhood illness of less than 2 yrs kids.
However in some percentage of kids who suffer from RSV Bronchilolitis as babies might suffer from hyper-reactive airway disorder or are predisposed to suffer from asthmatic bronchitis in future.
Hope to have answered your query.
Take care.
Thanks for posting your query to XXXXXXX
Bronchiolitis in babies are caused by viruses like Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV), Adenovirus, Rhinovirus etc. These viruses cause inflammation in the small bronchioles of the windpipe leading to signs of Respiratory distress. Usually this is a self-limiting condition and requires only supportive line of management.
Since an adult has already been exposed to such viruses earlier in childhood, they have good immunity and their lungs are matured they are not infected with these viruses. Therefore, Bronchiolitis is essentially a childhood illness of less than 2 yrs kids.
However in some percentage of kids who suffer from RSV Bronchilolitis as babies might suffer from hyper-reactive airway disorder or are predisposed to suffer from asthmatic bronchitis in future.
Hope to have answered your query.
Take care.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
