What does cough feel like with bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis usually affects babies and young children. The cough may begin after a runny nose, blocked nose, or mild fever and can become frequent, harsh, or rattly. Breathing may sound wheezy or crackly, and the child may breathe faster or work harder to breathe. Feeding can take longer because coughing and congestion interrupt sucking. A child may be unsettled, sleep poorly, or have fewer wet nappies when illness affects drinking.

Cough is common with Bronchiolitis, but this symptom alone cannot tell you how serious the illness is. Observe breathing effort, alertness, feeding, and hydration as well as the sound of the cough.

Keep the child upright while awake and offer smaller, more frequent feeds or drinks. Clear nasal mucus gently before feeds if congestion makes breathing difficult. Keep the room free from tobacco smoke. Do not give cough medicines to a young child unless a healthcare professional specifically recommends one.

Get prompt medical advice if the child is drinking much less, has fewer wet nappies, is unusually sleepy, or breathing is becoming faster or harder. Seek emergency help if there are pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, severe chest pulling between the ribs, grunting, or the child is difficult to wake. Babies who were born early or have heart, lung, or immune problems may need earlier assessment.

Ask how to count breathing, what feeding pattern is safe, and which changes should trigger a review. Tell the clinician about the child’s age, wet nappies, temperature, and any previous breathing problems.