Bronchiolitis Causes & Risks

Causes

This infection is caused by several kinds of viruses. It easily spreads from person to person in the same way a common cold does. This most often happens when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplets of moisture are released into the air. When a noninfected person breathes the air they can become infected.

Risk Factors

Bronchiolitis can affect anyone, but it most often strikes:

• Children under the age of two, especially between 3-6 months old
• During the winter months
• Adults most at risk are those who are:
  • Immunocompromised
  • Exposed to toxic fumes
• Children most at risk are those who:
  • Were never breastfed
  • Were born prematurely
  • Are exposed to tobacco smoke
  • Are often in groups of children (as in day care) or live in crowded conditions