What should you know about relief from bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is an infection that causes swelling and mucus in the smallest airways, most often in babies and young children. A runny nose can be followed by cough, faster breathing, chest pulling in with breaths, or a whistling sound called wheezing. Feeding may become harder because breathing and sucking compete for attention. A cough can linger after the child otherwise seems better. See the pages on Cough, Fever and Wheezing for symptom context.

Offer smaller, more frequent feeds and watch for regular wet nappies. Keep the child upright while awake and calm; avoid smoke and strong fragrances. Use saline nose drops if a clinician or pharmacist recommends them, and clear the nose gently before feeds. Check the child regularly, including during sleep, for breathing effort, colour, alertness and intake. Do not give cough medicines or antibiotics unless prescribed. A child health consultation can assess breathing, hydration and feeding. Nebuliser treatment is not suitable for every child, so use it only when a clinician advises it.

Seek urgent help if the child is struggling to breathe, has pauses in breathing, looks blue or grey around the lips, is unusually floppy, or cannot drink. Arrange prompt medical assessment if feeds are much shorter, wet nappies decrease, fever persists, or breathing is becoming faster or more effortful. Babies who are very young, premature, or living with heart or lung problems may need earlier advice.

Ask: How can I tell whether breathing effort is worsening? How much fluid should my child take? Which fever medicine and dose are appropriate for their age? When should I return for an examination, and would a child health consultation or nebuliser treatment help?