Bronchiolitis: A Viral Lung Infection Affecting the Small Airways
Bronchiolitis is a viral lung infection that primarily affects the small airways or bronchioles of the lungs. It bears resemblance to croup and is more prevalent during the winter season. While the symptoms of bronchiolitis are comparable to those of the common cold, they tend to persist for a longer duration, ranging from a few days to several weeks. Although any baby can contract this infection, infants born prematurely or with other congenital abnormalities are at a higher risk of developing bronchiolitis.
Feeding Difficulties
A cough can frequently be attributed to feeding difficulties, which refer to any obstacles that hinder a baby’s ability to consume or digest food properly. Overfeeding, underfeeding, spitting up, and throwing up are the most prevalent feeding difficulties experienced by infants. While these issues commonly lead to minor digestive discomfort, the presence of a cough indicates a more severe feeding problem. Passive spitting up, a prevalent feeding issue, can result in coughing and may even lead to more serious complications like aspiration or choking.