Display Patient Information Leaflets

Bronchiolitis

Date issued: December 2022

Review date: December 2024

Ref: A-515/NB/ED/Bronchiolitis

PDF: Bronchiolitis final December 2022.pdf [pdf] 101KB

What is bronchiolitis?

  • It is a lung infection very common in babies under 1 year old

  • It is an inflammation of the small tubes of the lung (the bronchioles)

  • There may be some difficulty in breathing

What causes it?

  • It is usually caused by a virus called Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

  • Other viruses can also cause it

  • This virus usually causes a cold in most children or adults but because babies’ lungs are smaller the symptoms are different

  • It is spread by coughing and sneezing

When does bronchiolitis occur?

  • It is most common in the winter months but can be present all year round.

What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis?

  • It usually begins as a runny nose, cough and mild fever

  • After 2-3 days your child may develop some breathing difficulties

  • There may be faster breathing and wheeze

How long will my child be unwell?

  • Symptoms gradually improve over two weeks

  • Your child may continue to have a cough for several weeks

What other problems will my child have?

  • Feeding difficulties, they may have difficulty breathing during feeds and get tired

  • Temperature / fever.

What treatment can I do at home?

  • Symptoms do not become severe in most cases

  • Try giving drinks little and often (e.g., every hour)

  • Raise the head end of the cot which may help with breathing

  • If your child has a fever and seems to be uncomfortable with it give paracetamol or ibuprofen at the recommended dose on the box.

When do I need to return to the Emergency Department?

  • If your baby cannot take their feeds and appears tired

  • If your baby's breathing becomes more laboured

  • If your baby is less than six weeks old

  • If your baby was born prematurely

  • If your baby has underlying heart or lung problems

  • If you are worried about your child.

Can bronchiolitis be prevented?

  • It is impossible to totally avoid this virus

  • It may be sensible to keep very young babies away from people with coughs and colds

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