What should you know about Vicks for bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is usually a viral illness affecting the smallest airways, often causing cough, fast or difficult breathing, wheezing and feeding problems. A mentholated rub cannot clear the airway inflammation or remove the virus. Do not put a chest rub in or under a baby's nose, on broken skin, or in the mouth. Vapour products and essential oils can irritate young airways, and some products are unsuitable for infants; check the label for age limits.

Offer frequent small feeds and watch for wet nappies. Keep the child upright while awake and clear the nose gently with saline if congestion interferes with feeding. Avoid smoke, strong fragrances and hot steam, which can burn or irritate. Do not give cough medicines or use a nebuliser unless a clinician has advised it. A child health consultation can assess breathing, hydration and feeding needs.

Seek urgent medical help if the child is struggling to breathe, has pauses in breathing, looks blue or unusually pale, is difficult to wake, takes much less fluid, or has markedly fewer wet nappies. Arrange prompt assessment when breathing is getting faster or harder, wheezing is persistent, or a fever accompanies a young or medically vulnerable child. A cough may linger after breathing improves.

Ask which products are suitable for your child's age, how to count wet nappies, what breathing changes matter, and whether follow-up is needed. Ask before using any vapour rub, inhaled product or nebuliser treatment.