Bronchiolitis cough medicine: what parents should know

Bronchiolitis is inflammation and swelling in the small airways, commonly after a viral illness. A child may cough, breathe noisily, wheeze, feed less, or have a fever. Cough helps clear mucus, while over-the-counter cough and cold products can be unsuitable for young children and may cause unwanted effects. A cough does not by itself show that a child needs an antibiotic.

A clinician can listen to breathing, check hydration, and consider age and medical history before recommending any medicine. Do not share another child's prescription or combine products with overlapping ingredients.

Offer smaller, more frequent feeds and keep the child upright while awake and supervised. Clear visible nasal mucus gently before feeds and sleep, keep smoke and strong fragrances away, and allow quiet rest. Use only medicines advised for that child, following the label or clinician's instructions. A nebuliser is not automatically needed; a clinician decides whether it has a role.

Seek urgent help if breathing looks hard, the ribs pull in, pauses occur, the lips look blue or grey, the child is unusually difficult to wake, or feeding is markedly reduced. Arrange prompt medical advice for worsening wheezing, persistent fever, fewer wet nappies, or concern about a young infant. See [Bronchiolitis](/conditions/bronchiolitis/) and [Child Health Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/child-health-consultation/) for assessment options.

Ask which symptoms need monitoring, whether any current medicine should be stopped, how to recognise dehydration, and when breathing or feeding changes require review. Bring the product packaging if you are asking about a cough remedy.