What should you know about bronchiolitis RCH?

RCH refers to a child-focused clinical context; the practical issue is still bronchiolitis. Swelling and mucus narrow small airways after a cold. A child may cough, wheeze, breathe faster, take shorter feeds or have fewer wet nappies. A Child Health Consultation can assess breathing, hydration and oxygen levels. A Cough or Wheezing page can explain those symptoms, but neither symptom alone identifies the cause. A clinician’s examination helps decide whether home care is suitable.

Offer small, frequent feeds and keep the child upright while awake. Clear visible nasal mucus gently before feeding, keep smoke and strong fragrances away, and watch breathing, colour, alertness and wet nappies. Do not use leftover antibiotics, inhalers or cough medicines without clinical advice. A Child Health Consultation can guide monitoring and treatment.

Seek emergency help for blue or grey lips, breathing pauses, severe chest indrawing, grunting, collapse or a child who is difficult to wake. Seek prompt medical advice if the child cannot drink, has much less urine, becomes markedly sleepy, or breathing is worsening. Fever with an unwell appearance also needs assessment. Urgency depends on breathing effort, hydration and alertness, not on how common the illness is.

Ask which breathing changes require emergency care, how to support feeds, and how to judge hydration. Ask whether follow-up is needed, which medicines should be avoided, and what to do if cough or wheezing continues.