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Bronchiolitis

Date issued: September 2021

Review date: September 2023

Ref: A-476

PDF:  Bronchiolitis final September 2021.pdf [pdf] 230KB

Bronchiolitis

What is Bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the smaller breathing passages within the lungs, the bronchioles. They become inflamed and are more swollen and stickier from the secretions. This typically lasts 5-14 days, but babies can continue to cough for up to 6 weeks.

Babies and toddlers are more commonly affected than older children. It is more common during the winter months.

It is most commonly caused by a virus called Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). This can be passed on by direct/close contact during the period in which the child is unwell.

Signs and Symptoms.

If your child has Bronchiolitis, they may…

  • Breathe faster than normal, sounding short of breath and wheezy.

  • There may be a cough and snuffly nose.

  • Your child might struggle to take their usual amounts of feed from the bottle or breast.

  • If breathing and feeding becomes more difficult, your baby may look pale, sweaty and tired.

Care at Home.

The amount of fluids that your child takes may reduce due to these breathing difficulties, it is therefore important to offer them smaller amounts of fluid more frequently. At this stage it is more important to offer fluids than solids.

Usually most of the mucus from the lungs is swallowed, however children with bronchiolitis produce much more mucus and this may cause some vomiting. This is normal.

Antibiotics are not required with Bronchiolitis as it is a virus and they are therefore ineffective. Some children may require hospital admission for oxygen and feeding support.

Your child’s weight is……...Kg

He/she needs to take AT LEAST……….mls in 24 hours.

When to see a Doctor

All babies under 6 months should be checked by a doctor as they are at risk of becoming dehydrated quickly.

Any child should see a doctor if they…

  • Are more short of breath and unable to feed.

  • Seem tired with the effort of breathing.

  • Appear blue or grey.

  • Have high fevers.

  • Reduced urine output.

Please do not hesitate to ask the nurse or hospital doctor when within your 72 hours open access or contact your health visitor or GP for further advice outside of this time.

72 hours open access.

Your child has been given 72 hours open access to the children’s assessment unit.

This access enables you to contact a nurse/doctor if you are concerned about your child and need advice if the symptoms worsen or continue.

Advice is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 01752 430401 if within your 72 hours open access.

Should your child become unwell once the 72 hours open access has ended then please contact your GP or if necessary, the Emergency Department.

In an emergency please call 999

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