What effect does cigarette smoking have?
Cigarette smoke exposure to an infant after an episode of RSV bronchiolitis increases the odds of hospitalization nearly five times in the next year. This is why parent must be sure their infants who have had bronchiolitis (and all infants for that matter) are not subjected to the harmful effects of cigarette smoke. What should I watch for if my infant has Bronchiolitis? If your baby has any of the following signs your pediatrician should be notified immediately. • Rapid breathing (especially if more than 60 times in a minute) • Difficulty breathing • Dilating nostrils or using all the muscles of the rib cage with each breath • Ribs or sternum pull in deeply with each breath • Grunting or wheezing noises • Poor feeding • Fewer wet diapers • Blue fingers or lips – call 911 if your child is blue. Home treatment for mild cases: • Humidified air • Saline nose drops with a nasal aspirator (suction bulb device) • Drink fluids. • Home nebulizers or similar medications given by mouth may be pr
