How common is fever in bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is usually caused by a viral infection that affects the small breathing tubes in the lungs. It often begins with a blocked or runny nose and cough. A child may then have a temperature, faster breathing, wheeze, reduced feeding, or fewer wet nappies. Symptoms can change over the course of the illness.

A fever does not confirm bronchiolitis, because many childhood infections cause a temperature. Breathing effort, alertness, and feeding are particularly useful signs to watch in babies and young children.

Offer smaller feeds more often if a child is finding full feeds difficult, and watch for wet nappies or trips to the toilet. Keep them upright when awake if that seems more comfortable, and clear a blocked nose gently before feeds when needed. Do not expose the child to cigarette smoke.

Use fever treatment only as directed for the child's age and weight, and check with a pharmacist or clinician before giving medicines. Arrange medical advice if feeding is falling, breathing is becoming noisier, or you are concerned about their condition.

Seek emergency care for pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips or tongue, marked difficulty breathing, grunting, ribs pulling in with breaths, a child who is floppy or difficult to wake, or signs of dehydration. Get prompt medical advice for a young baby with fever, or whenever a child's breathing or feeding worsens.

Ask how to judge breathing effort at home, how much feeding or fluid intake is enough, and what changes mean the child needs urgent reassessment. Mention premature birth, heart or lung conditions, and any medicines the child takes.