Bronchiolitis Treatment in India

Aarav Brown is a 7-month-old infant,...

Aarav Brown is a 7-month-old infant, the first child of young parents. He was born full-term and was healthy until a week ago when he developed a runny nose and a mild cough. Over three days, his cough worsened, becoming tight and persistent, and his parents noticed he was breathing rapidly, with visible retractions between his ribs. He became fussy, struggled to feed, and was less active. His pediatrician, hearing wheezing and crackles, diagnosed bronchiolitis and referred him to a pediatric pulmonologist, Dr. Evans. Dr. Evans confirmed the diagnosis, explaining it was likely caused by RSV. She recommended supportive care at the hospital: suctioning his nasal passages, providing oxygen via a nasal cannula to keep his saturation above 92%, and small, frequent feeds of electrolyte solution. For three days, Aarav required oxygen and careful monitoring. His parents were terrified, feeling helpless as they watched him struggle. They stayed by his isolette, learning to suction his nose. On day four, his breathing eased, and he took a full bottle. By day five, he was weaned off oxygen and discharged. At a follow-up, he was back to his smiling, babbling self. His parents' fear has been replaced by vigilant caution and immense relief, though they now view every sniffle with heightened awareness.