Inflammatory bronchiolitis: what to know

Bronchiolitis affects the smallest breathing tubes, usually after a viral illness. Most babies and toddlers with bronchiolitis develop a runny nose followed by cough, noisy breathing, wheezing, or faster breathing. Swelling and mucus can make feeding tiring, so a child may take less milk and have fewer wet nappies. Symptoms can change over hours, and the child's breathing effort matters more than the noise alone.

Offer smaller, more frequent feeds and keep the child upright while awake and supervised. Clear visible nasal mucus gently before feeds, keep the room smoke-free, and check breathing regularly, including during sleep. Use medicines only as directed for the child's age; antibiotics do not treat the usual viral cause. A Child Health Consultation can assess hydration, breathing effort, and oxygen levels. Nebuliser Treatment is not automatically needed and should be recommended by a clinician.

Seek emergency help if the child has pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, severe chest indrawing, grunting, marked exhaustion, or is difficult to wake. Get urgent medical advice if breathing is getting faster, feeds are much smaller, vomiting prevents fluids, or wet nappies are clearly reduced. A baby who appears seriously unwell should be assessed without delay, even if the cough began recently.

Ask how to count breaths, what chest movement is concerning, and how much fluid your child should receive. Check which fever or pain medicine is suitable, whether an inhaled treatment has a role, and which changes mean you should return urgently.