Bronchiolitis is inflammation occurring in the smallest airways of your tiny tot's lungs (the bronchioles). It generally strikes infants and kids under two, and almost always, our villain here is a respiratory virus. Bronchiolitis is easy to diagnose with the visible signs, which include a cough that just won't quit, wheezing that impressively rivals an old steam train's, and a mild fever that keeps the thermometer in business. For severe cases, a hospital visit for some oxygen therapy may be in the cards, but there are no specific treatments guaranteed to squash this annoying illness.

Don't get it mixed with bronchitis, which can plague adults and children and can come from an acute infection or a long-term bad boy like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Also, don't rush to confuse it with what the cool kids call bronchiolitis obliterans, which targets adults and is usually sparked by a good old whiff of toxic fumes or complications from playing around with a lung transplant.

Like a cold, but not exactly, bronchiolitis' symptoms result from blockage in the bronchioles due to lower respiratory infection. There's also the not-so-fun aftermath: coughing and wheezing that overstays its welcome for weeks, even after the acute symptoms have been shown the door. Don't fret though; the silver lining is that most cases don't leave a permanent mark or cause lasting injury.

However, some pint-sized victims of the illness may endure nasty situations like ear infections (otitis media), urinary tract infections (yes, the annoying pain while peeing), or even severe dehydration, respiratory distress, or respiratory failure. Look for severe signs such as extreme difficulty catching breath and high fever. Dial 911 or drive like a maniac to the nearest ER if you spot these symptoms.

The causes, as it turns out, are various recognized respiratory viruses that start an acute infection in the epithelial cells in the lungs' smaller airways. Normally, these ordinary culprits don't infiltrate the lower respiratory tract in adults and older kids, thanks to their strong immune response. But, in infants and kiddos who still have their baby armor on, these pesky viruses can dodge and drop into the lower respiratory tract. The result? An inflammatory reaction that narrows the bronchioles and triggers the goblet cells to produce excess mucus leading to obstruction and that dreadful wheezing.

Identification for bronchiolitis typically involves a clinical exam, including a physical examination and patient history review. Listening for abnormal breathing sounds (like crackles and high-pitched purring sounds), and observing rapid breathing or nasal flaring can be tell-tale signs. However, a doctor may perform additional tests if bronchiolitis's diagnosis remains uncertain to rule out other possible culprits.

As for treatment, it's primarily supportive. Unless a secondary bacterial infection is identified, antibiotics aren't prescribed since they only battle bacteria, not viruses. Antiviral drugs are rarely used except for influenza cases or in children hospitalized with RSV. Tamiflu, an antiviral drug, may reduce flu severity in infants and toddlers if taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms. Still, symptoms of bronchiolitis usually develop within three to five days of exposure, so prevention might be a better game plan here.

Keep this in mind: mild to moderate bronchiolitis tends to make a complete exit within two to three weeks without treatment. So, plenty of bed rest, fluids, proper nutrition, and keeping the infected child away from smoke should be the name of the game. If fever spikes, consult with your pediatrician about using Children's Tylenol or Children's Motrin.

There's an assortment of preventive measures for the viruses causing bronchiolitis, and no, none of them involve magic potions or spells. Vaccines for flu and RSV, dedicated hand-washing, avoiding face-to-mouth contact, and isolation during a viral attack are a few of them. If there's an RSV outbreak at daycare or preschool, pull out your child until local health officials give the all-clear.

Bronchiolitis may not be life-threatening, but it can still be quite distressing for both tots and their parents. That's why it's crucial to visit your pediatrician when symptoms arise. Remember, your kick-ass doc is your best ally.