Why does bronchiolitis cause fever?

Fever is part of the body’s response to many infections. Chemicals released during an immune response signal the brain to adjust its temperature setting, which can cause a child to feel hot, shiver or seem uncomfortable. Bronchiolitis also causes swelling and mucus in the bronchioles, so fever may occur alongside cough, a blocked nose or changes in breathing.

Fever is a common presentation of Bronchiolitis. Fever by itself does not establish the cause, and a clinician considers the child’s age, breathing, alertness, feeding and examination findings.

Offer regular fluids or feeds and dress the child in light, comfortable clothing. Rest is useful, but check on breathing and responsiveness. If you use a fever medicine, choose one appropriate for the child’s age and weight and follow the product directions or advice from a clinician or pharmacist.

Avoid cold baths or alcohol rubs, which can be distressing and do not treat the infection. Do not alternate medicines or give more than one product containing the same ingredient without professional advice.

Seek urgent help if a child has difficulty breathing, pauses in breathing, blue or grey colour around the lips, a seizure, is hard to wake, or has signs of dehydration such as much less urine. A fever in a very young infant needs urgent medical assessment. Contact a clinician promptly if fever persists, returns after improvement, or the child is becoming more unwell.

Ask what temperature method to use, which comfort medicine is appropriate, and which breathing or feeding changes warrant same-day review. If the child has a long-term health condition or was born prematurely, ask whether this changes the care plan.