Caring for bronchiolitis at home

Bronchiolitis is a viral infection of the small airways, usually in babies and young children. Swelling and mucus can cause cough, noisy or wheezy breathing, a blocked nose, and more effort during feeds. Symptoms can change over the course of the illness, so the child's breathing, alertness, and fluid intake matter more than the sound of the cough alone.

There is no household remedy that clears the virus immediately. Care is aimed at keeping the nose clear enough for feeding, preventing dehydration, and spotting increased breathing effort early. Antibiotics do not treat the usual viral cause, and cough or cold medicines may be unsuitable for young children.

Offer smaller, more frequent breastfeeds, formula feeds, or age-appropriate fluids if normal feeds are tiring. Saline nose drops followed by gentle suction can help before feeding or sleep. Keep the child upright while awake and supervised, but use their usual safe, flat sleep space and do not prop the mattress. Keep the home free from cigarette smoke, vaping aerosol, incense, and strong fragrances.

Check the child regularly, including during the night. Notice how much they drink, whether nappies are becoming less wet, and whether the ribs or skin at the neck pull inward with each breath. For fever or discomfort, use only an age-appropriate medicine and dose advised on the label or by a healthcare professional. Do not start a nebuliser unless it has been prescribed for this child.

Seek urgent assessment if breathing becomes faster or harder, the nostrils flare, the chest draws in, feeding drops markedly, nappies are much drier, the child is unusually sleepy, or fever concerns you in a young baby. Call emergency services for pauses in breathing, grunting with severe effort, blue or grey lips or tongue, limpness, difficulty waking, or inability to drink because of breathlessness.

Ask how to judge breathing effort for your child's age, how much fluid is enough, and which fever medicine and dose are appropriate for their weight. Clarify whether any medical conditions or an early birth change the monitoring plan, and where to seek care if symptoms worsen after the clinic closes.