When to worry about fever with bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is an infection affecting the smallest airways, most often in babies and young children. Fever can occur with a runny nose, cough, wheezing, faster breathing and reduced feeding. As mucus and swelling narrow the airways, a child may tire while breathing or take less fluid. Watch the child’s breathing effort and alertness as closely as the temperature.

Offer smaller, more frequent feeds and keep the child upright while awake. Clear visible nasal mucus gently before feeds if it interferes with breathing. Check regularly, including during sleep, for comfortable breathing, wet nappies and normal responsiveness. Keep smoke away from the child. Use fever medicine only when suitable for the child’s age and after following the product or clinician’s instructions.

Call emergency services for pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, severe pulling in under the ribs, grunting, collapse or a child who is difficult to wake. Seek urgent medical care if feeding drops sharply, wet nappies become much less frequent, breathing is persistently fast or the child becomes unusually floppy or distressed. Babies with significant symptoms should be assessed promptly because their condition can change quickly.

Ask how to count breathing, what feeding and urine changes matter, which fever relief is appropriate, and exactly when to return for reassessment. Share the child’s age, symptom onset and any breathing pauses.