How common is cough in bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis affects the small airways, most often in babies and young children. Cough may follow cold-like symptoms and can occur with fast breathing, wheezing or crackling sounds, feeding difficulty, and irritability. It often changes as the illness develops. The sound of a cough cannot diagnose bronchiolitis on its own, because other infections and airway problems can look similar.

Offer smaller, more frequent feeds if breathing makes feeding tiring, and keep the child upright while awake and supervised. Clear visible nasal mucus gently if advised, avoid smoke exposure, and check the child regularly, including during sleep. Do not give cough medicines to a young child unless a healthcare professional specifically recommends them. A clinician can assess breathing, hydration, and oxygen needs.

Seek emergency help if the child has pauses in breathing, severe effort with ribs pulling in, blue or grey skin, unusual limpness, or is difficult to wake. Arrange urgent assessment if feeds are much smaller, wet nappies are reduced, breathing is getting faster, or the child is becoming markedly unwell.

What breathing changes should I watch for at home? Is the child drinking enough? How can I tell when feeding or breathing needs urgent assessment?