What should you know about bronchiolitis patient information?

Bronchiolitis is an infection affecting the small airways, most often in babies and young children. It may begin with a runny nose, then progress to [Cough](/symptoms/cough/), faster breathing, noisy breathing or [Wheezing](/symptoms/wheezing/). Feeding can take more effort because the child needs to pause to breathe. Symptoms can change over the course of an illness, so the child’s breathing, drinking and alertness matter more than the sound of the cough alone.

Offer smaller feeds more often and allow pauses. Keep the child upright while awake and clear the nose gently if congestion interrupts feeding. Keep the room free from cigarette smoke and strong fragrances, wash hands before handling the child and avoid sharing cups or utensils. Do not give cough medicines, antibiotics or another person’s inhaler unless a clinician has advised it. A [Child Health Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/child-health-consultation/) can assess a child whose intake or sleep is being affected.

Seek emergency care for pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, severe chest indrawing, grunting, collapse or difficulty waking. Contact a clinician promptly if the child is taking much less fluid, has fewer wet nappies, is breathing increasingly hard or cannot settle because of breathlessness. [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) in a very young baby needs medical advice. If a clinician suggests [Nebuliser Treatment](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/nebuliser-treatment/), follow the exact instructions and ask what improvement to expect.

Ask how to count or observe breathing, how to judge hydration, when the child can return to nursery, which symptoms mean urgent review and how to give any recommended medicines safely. Take note of the child’s feeding pattern and wet nappies before the visit.