Symptoms of viral bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is an infection that makes the small airways swollen and narrowed. A baby may first have a runny or blocked nose, mild fever and a cough. Breathing can then become noisy, rapid or effortful, with the skin between the ribs pulling in. A child may take less milk because breathing and feeding together are tiring.

Symptoms can change over a short period, so watch breathing, alertness and wet nappies rather than judging severity from the cough alone. A child health consultation can help assess oxygenation, hydration and the work of breathing.

Offer smaller feeds more often, keep the child upright while awake, and clear nasal mucus gently before feeds. Keep smoke away and check the child regularly, including during sleep. Give medicines only as advised for the child’s age and weight; antibiotics do not treat a viral cause. A nebuliser is not automatically needed and should be recommended by a clinician.

Get urgent medical help if the child is struggling for each breath, has pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, marked drowsiness, or cannot feed. Seek prompt assessment when wet nappies are much less frequent, vomiting prevents fluids, or breathing is becoming faster or more laboured. Young infants and children with significant medical conditions need a lower threshold for review.

Ask how to count breathing, what feeding and urine changes matter, and which signs mean emergency help. Ask whether the child needs observation, oxygen assessment or a follow-up check, and whether any inhaled treatment is appropriate.