A three-month-old baby was admitted with suspected bronchiolitis to the municipal hospital of Santa Cruz (RN) and had to use an improvised oxygen mask made of cake wrappers.
The case occurred between Saturday (8) and Monday (10) and drew attention for the solution found by the medical team in the face of the lack of adequate resources.
In a statement, the hospital’s technical management reported that the baby arrived at the unit with severe respiratory distress, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and nasal congestion, requiring immediate medication.
Given the seriousness of the situation, he was requested to be transferred to a hospital with a pediatric ICU.
Without having specific equipment to treat bronchiolitis, the doctor on duty improvised an oxygen mask using a cake wrapper. The initiative aimed to ensure that the baby received an adequate amount of oxygen while waiting for transfer.
The medical team stressed that this measure was essential to stabilize the baby’s breathing andprevent the worsening of his condition.
The Santa Cruz hospital does not specialize in maternal and child emergencies, which has contributed to the lack of adequate resources. However, the quick action of the medical team was essential to save the baby’s life.
On the morning of Tuesday (11), he was transferred to the Varela Santiago hospital, in Natal, through the Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu).
The baby is now under observation at the Varela Santiago hospital, where he will receive specialized care. So far, there is no forecast for discharge, but the medical team is optimistic about his recovery.
What is Bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that affects the small airways called bronchioles, which are found in the lungs.
It is most common in infants and young children, especially during the fall and winter months. Typical symptoms include:
- Persistent cough
- Wheezing when breathing
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Nasal congestion
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
Bronchiolitis is often caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but other viruses, such as adenovirus, can also be responsible. Treatment is usually supportive, including adequate hydration, use of humidifiers, and, in severe cases, oxygen supplementation.
In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary, especially for babies who have difficulty breathing or have other underlying health problems.
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