Childhood bronchiolitis: what parents should know

Bronchiolitis is an infection affecting the small airways, most often in babies and young children. Swelling and mucus can make breathing noisy or faster. A cough, fever, reduced appetite and wheezing can occur, but the pattern and severity vary. A clinician judges the child's breathing effort, hydration, alertness and oxygen level rather than relying on one symptom.

Bronchiolitis is different from asthma, although wheezing can appear with both. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, and inhaled treatments are not suitable for every child. A child health consultation can help distinguish bronchiolitis from another cause of breathing difficulty.

Offer smaller, more frequent feeds if the child struggles with a full feed, and keep a close record of wet nappies or toilet visits. Hold the child upright while awake and clear visible nasal mucus gently if advised. Let the child rest, avoid smoke, and check breathing regularly, including during sleep.

Give fever medicine only as directed for the child's age and weight, and never give aspirin to a child. Do not use cough medicines, leftover antibiotics or a nebuliser without medical advice. Keep the child away from babies and vulnerable people while unwell, and wash hands after nose wiping or feeding.

Get urgent help if the child is working hard to breathe, has pauses in breathing, has blue or grey lips, is difficult to wake, takes very little fluid, or has markedly fewer wet nappies. Seek prompt assessment if symptoms are worsening, especially in a very young baby or a child with heart, lung or immune problems.

Ask how to count breathing, which feeding and hydration signs matter, when the child should be rechecked, and whether any existing condition changes the threshold for care. Ask how to reduce spread to siblings and what to do if wheezing continues after the infection.