Signs bronchiolitis is getting better

A recovering child usually has less pulling-in of the skin between the ribs or under the ribs, less noisy breathing, and longer periods of comfortable breathing. Cough and mild wheezing can linger after breathing and feeding begin to improve. Your child may show interest in play, respond normally, and sleep more peacefully. Fever may settle, although a cough can remain for a while. Look at the overall direction across the day rather than expecting every symptom to disappear together.

Bronchiolitis affects the small airways, so tiredness and reduced appetite can occur. Small, frequent feeds may be easier than usual-sized feeds. Wet nappies are a useful sign of hydration, while a dry mouth, very sleepy behaviour, or markedly reduced urine suggests a problem.

Keep your child upright while awake and offer small, frequent feeds. Let them rest, keep smoke away from the home, and check their breathing and feeding regularly, including during the night if advised. Give only medicines recommended for your child. A nebuliser is not routinely needed for every child with bronchiolitis; a clinician can decide whether any breathing treatment is appropriate.

Get urgent help if breathing becomes hard, pauses occur, the lips or face look blue or grey, your child is difficult to wake, or the ribs pull in strongly with each breath. Seek prompt medical advice if feeding falls substantially, wet nappies become much less frequent, or your child is getting worse after seeming better. A child health consultation is appropriate when you are unsure whether breathing, hydration, or alertness is improving.

Ask how often to check breathing, which feeding changes matter, when your child can return to nursery, and which signs mean you should seek help overnight.