What should you know about bronchiolitis deutsch?

The illness commonly presents with a runny nose followed by cough, noisy breathing or wheezing, and faster breathing. It often changes over several days, so observe breathing, feeding and alertness rather than relying on one symptom alone.

Bronchiolitis affects the narrow air passages that carry air into a young child's lungs. Inflammation and mucus can narrow these passages. Most cases are caused by a virus and improve with supportive care, but very young babies and children with underlying health problems may need closer observation.

A child with bronchiolitis may cough, wheeze, breathe more quickly, or tire during feeds. Fever can occur, but its absence does not rule out the condition. Cough, fever and wheezing each have other possible causes; a clinician can assess the whole pattern.

Offer breastfeeds or formula feeds more often, with smaller amounts if breathing makes feeding tiring. Keep the child upright while awake and comfort them so they can rest. Check regularly that they are waking, feeding and passing urine as usual.

Keep smoke, vaping aerosols and strong fragrances away from the child. Do not give cough medicines or antibiotics unless a healthcare professional has advised them. A child-health consultation can help check breathing, hydration and feeding. In selected situations, a clinician may discuss nebuliser treatment, but it is not suitable for every child.

Seek urgent help if the child is struggling for each breath, the skin between or below the ribs is pulling in, the lips look blue or grey, breathing pauses occur, or the child is unusually floppy or difficult to wake.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if feeding drops markedly, vomiting prevents fluids, urine becomes much less frequent, breathing is persistently fast or noisy, or symptoms are worsening. Babies who are very young, premature, or living with heart or lung disease may need advice earlier.

Ask: How hard is my child working to breathe? Is feeding and hydration adequate? Which changes mean we should return urgently? What medicines, if any, are appropriate for this child? How should we monitor breathing during sleep?