What happens if bronchiolitis is not treated?

Bronchiolitis is inflammation and narrowing of the small airways, often after a viral infection such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection. A baby may develop a runny nose, cough, fever, wheezing and faster breathing. Swelling and mucus can make feeding tiring, so the baby may take less milk and produce fewer wet nappies. Many children recover with supportive care, but younger babies and those with underlying health problems can become unwell more quickly. Antibiotics do not treat the viral cause unless a separate bacterial infection is found.

Arrange a Child Health Consultation if the cough, wheezing or feeding difficulty is worsening, or if you are unsure how unwell the baby is. Offer smaller, more frequent feeds if advised, keep the baby upright while awake and avoid smoke exposure. A clinician can check breathing, hydration and oxygen levels. Nebuliser Treatment is not suitable for every child, so use it only when a clinician recommends it and explains how.

Call emergency services for pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, severe chest pulling-in, marked drowsiness or a baby who is difficult to wake. Seek urgent assessment if breathing is persistently fast, feeds are much smaller, wet nappies are reduced, or the child is becoming exhausted. Trust your concern if the baby is deteriorating.

Ask how to count breathing, how much feeding and urine output is reassuring, which signs mean emergency care, and whether follow-up is needed.