What should you know about remedies for bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is an infection that causes swelling and mucus in the small airways, most often in babies and young children. A child may develop a runny nose followed by cough, fast or noisy breathing, reduced feeding, fever, or wheezing. Symptoms can change over hours, so breathing effort, alertness, and fluid intake matter as much as the cough itself.

Offer breastfeeds, formula, or small frequent drinks, and keep the child comfortably upright while awake. Clear visible nasal mucus gently if it interferes with feeding or breathing. Let the child rest and avoid smoke around them. Check regularly, including during sleep if the illness is concerning, for changes in breathing colour, alertness, and wet nappies. Do not give cough medicines or use antibiotics unless a clinician has prescribed them for a specific reason. A nebuliser is not automatically needed; its use depends on the child’s assessment.

Seek emergency help if the child has pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, severe chest pulling-in, grunting, marked sleepiness, or cannot feed because of breathlessness. Arrange prompt assessment if breathing is faster or harder, wheezing is increasing, feeds are much smaller, or wet nappies are clearly reduced. Babies who are very young, premature, or living with heart or lung problems may need earlier review. Trust a noticeable change in the child’s behaviour or breathing.

How can I count or recognise increased breathing effort? How much fluid should my child take? Does my child need an examination, oxygen check, or nebuliser treatment? Which symptoms mean I should return immediately?