B.R.'s breathing was labored and was not significantly improved by the interventions, although suctioning to clear the airways and the introduction of oxygen ensured adequate oxygen intake. Postiaux et al. found that the addition of prolonged slow expirations and provoked coughs could contribute "actively to a direct and immediate drainage of secretions" (2011). This might have helped alleviate "some bronchial obstruction symptoms that are usually associated with an increased load of breathing, due to a positive intrathoracic pressure and an increased respiratory rate" (Postiaux et al., 2011).
Potential Long-Term Effects / Complications
An early and severe infection with RSV bronchiolitis is associated with breathing difficulties such as asthma, wheezing, and atopy later in life (Todd et al., 2010). Whether the RSV causes these problems or whether a common factor makes infants more susceptible to bronchiolitis and later breathing problems is uncertain (Todd et al., 2010). Therefore, B.R. is considered to be at a higher risk of developing these problems.
References
Essouri, S., Durand,...
(2011).
Optimal level of nasal continuous positive airway pressure in severe viral bronchiolitis. Intensive Care Medicine, 37, 2002-2007.
Fitzgerald, D. (2011). Viral bronchiolitis for the clinician. Journal of Paediatrics and Child
Health, 47, 160-166.
Papoff, P., Moretti, C., Cangiano, G., Boncia, E., Roggini, M. Pierangeli, A., Scagnoli, C.,
Antonelli, Gl., & Midulla, F. (2011). Incidence and predisposing factors for severe disease in previously health term infants experiencing their first episode of bronchiolitis. Acta Paediatrica, 100, e17-e23.
Postiaux, G., Louis, J., Labasee, H., Gerroldt, J., Kotik, A., Lemuhot, A., & Patte, C. (2011).
Evaluation of an alternative chest physiotherapy method in infants with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. Respiratory Care, 56(7), 989-994.
Todd, F., Roberg, K., & Welliver, R. (2010). Preventing RSV infection in at-risk infants:
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