Bronchiolitis

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When to see the doctor

Go to the doctor if: 

• your child is coughing and distressed
• your child has difficulty feeding.
  

What causes it?

Bronchiolitis is usually caused by a virus called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is spread by sneezing, coughing or personal contact.

What are the symptoms?

The onset of the illness is somewhat like a cold, with a runny nose and a mild fever. This progresses rapidly to a nasty cough, and breathing may become rapid and laboured. A high whistling sound called a wheeze may be heard when your child breathes out. Your child may be difficult to feed and may become quite distressed. In severe cases, the child may look blue around the lips. In this case seek immediate medical attention.

How is it treated?

Mild attacks of bronchiolitis can be managed at home. Offer your child smaller but more frequent feeds. Give paracetamol according to directions if your child has a fever. Make sure that they drink plenty of fluids. A humidifier in your child’s room can help to ease the cough and make breathing easier. Make sure your child is in a smoke-free environment.

If they are having difficulty breathing or feeding, and appear to be distressed, they may be better off in hospital for a few days, until the worst of the illness has passed. The hospital staff can provide oxygen if necessary, and if your child cannot feed they may require fluid through a drip (intravenous infusion). Anti-asthma drugs have not proved to be of much use in the first 12 months of life, probably because the muscles surrounding their larger airways are not fully developed, and this is the site where these medications work. Anti-asthma medication may be tried, just in case your child responds to it well. Most children recover fully after 7-10 days.

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