Adults, children, and babies who are exposed to tobacco smoke have a greater number of viral infections, and these infections are more severe and take much longer to get over:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV):
RSV is a virus that causes lung and respiratory tract infections, that is more prevalent in winter months. RSV infections are common in young children, especially in their first year of life: most all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday. Most tamariki will be able to recover at home. However, some children and infants especially those under six months old require hospital care.
Bronchiolitis and Pneumonia:
RSV can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small breathing tubes of the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lung).
The risk of tamariki developing bronchiolitis or pneumonia increases if exposed to tobacco smoke either second-hand in the home, or in utero (while they are still in the womb if the mother smokes). Infants who are exposed to smoke in the womb grow less well, have smaller lungs, practice breathing less before birth so have smaller airways and are more likely to be born prematurely. Children's lungs are not as developed as adults' and so are more susceptible to harm from infections with the airways becoming blocked more easily.
The risk of young children and babies developing bronchiolitis as a result of an RSV infection can be reduced with virus precautions (hand-washing, covering coughs, etc.), and having a warm, dry home, but the number one prevention is to become Smokefree, especially before birth.
Bronchiolitis in Babies: When to go to the hospital
For the first few days of bronchiolitis, symptoms are similar to a cold: runny, stuffy nose, cough, and slight fever. These symptoms can progress to include persistent “brassy” cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, lethargy, and difficulty feeding. Symptoms peak between days 3 and 5 and often resolve between days 7 and 10.
Red flags that let you know it is time to get health care for your under-4-week-old baby:
- Pauses or stops breathing
- Skin changes to a very pale or an ashy, dusty colour
- Respiratory distress
- Unable to take 50% of the usual feed volume
Read more about second-hand smoke