Bronchiolitis in adults: home remedies and care

Bronchiolitis is inflammation and narrowing of the small airways. It can cause a dry or chesty cough, wheezing, breathlessness, tiredness, and sometimes fever. A cough is a common presentation of bronchiolitis, but a cough alone does not establish its cause. Read more about [Cough](/symptoms/cough/) and [Wheezing](/symptoms/wheezing/).

Adults with asthma, chronic lung disease, a weakened immune system, or frailty may need earlier assessment because narrowed airways can place extra strain on breathing. A clinician may listen to the chest and check oxygen levels while considering other causes of similar symptoms.

Rest, drink fluids regularly, and avoid tobacco smoke, vaping, dust, and strong fragrances. Sit upright when coughing or feeling short of breath. Warm drinks may soothe an irritated throat. Use only medicines already advised for you, and follow the label or clinician’s directions; do not start antibiotics or someone else’s inhaler without advice.

Monitor whether you can drink, sleep, walk around the room, and speak in full sentences. If a clinician recommends inhaled treatment, ask how and when to use it. Nebuliser treatment is not suitable for every adult or every cause of breathlessness.

Arrange prompt medical advice for increasing breathlessness, persistent wheezing, dehydration, worsening fever, chest pain, confusion, or symptoms that are not settling. Seek emergency help if breathing is severely difficult, lips or face look blue or grey, the person cannot speak normally because of breathlessness, or they become unusually drowsy. Fever may need assessment when it accompanies a noticeable decline; see [Fever](/symptoms/fever/).

Ask what is causing the airway inflammation, whether an inhaler is appropriate, how to recognise deterioration, and when to return for review. Mention smoking or vaping exposure, lung conditions, current medicines, and any change in exercise tolerance.