Home Page

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