• Reference Number: HEY857-2024
• Departments: Paediatrics
• Last Updated: 1 February 2024

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your child’s condition.  Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet.  It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor, but may act as a starting point for discussion.  If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for your child.

What is bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is an infection of the small airways of the lung. It is a common infection in babies and children under 2 years old. It is caused by a virus, often the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is spread through tiny droplets of liquid from the coughs or sneezes of someone who is infected. RSV causes the airways to become swollen and full of mucus. In adults and older children, RSV is a common cause of colds.

Symptoms of bronchiolitis

The early symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to those of a common cold, such as a runny nose and cough. Further symptoms then usually develop over the next few days and include a high temperature, a dry and persistent cough, difficulty feeding and rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing).

How is bronchiolitis treated?

Bronchiolitis is caused by a virus and so antibiotics do not help. It is a self-limiting illness, which means it will go away as the immune system clears the virus. There is no medicine which will kill the virus. Many types of treatment have been tried over the years. Unfortunately research has shown that they do not make a difference to the course of the illness. Most affected babies are not seriously ill and will make a full recovery at home. About 3 in 100 babies are admitted to hospital for extra oxygen, help with their breathing or help with feeding.

How long does Bronchiolitis last?

Bronchiolitis more or less follows a typical timeline and your child may get worse before they get better: On days 1, 2 and 3 children suffer from a blocked, snotty nose and cough. The following days, breathing may become more difficult with problems feeding and sometimes apneas (short breath-holding episodes). Generally, from days 6 and 7, children will start improving.

Can you have Bronchiolitis more than once?

It is possible to have bronchiolitis again, but most babies will only have it once. Wheezing and coughing can occur with the next few colds after having bronchiolitis, but are usually mild. If the wheeze or cough keeps happening, speak to your doctor.

What can I do to help my baby?

• Breathing may be easier for your baby if he or she sleeps with the head of the cot slightly raised (raise the mattress slightly by placing a pillow underneath the mattress).
• Make sure your child gets enough fluid. Smaller, more frequent feeds are sometimes best.
• Give children’s paracetamol/ibuprofen to bring down their temperature if required.
• Do not smoke in the house.

Contact your GP if:

• You are worried about your child.
• They are having difficulty breathing.
• Your baby is taking less than half his or her usual feeds over 2 to 3 feeds, or has no wet nappy for 12 hours.
• Your baby has a high temperature.
• Your baby seems very tired or irritable.

Call 999 if:

• Your baby is having a lot of difficulty breathing and is pale or sweaty.
• Your baby’s tongue and lips are turning blue.
• There are long pauses in your baby’s breathing.

How can I prevent bronchiolitis?

• Wash your hands and your child’s hands frequently.
• Wash or wipe toys and surfaces frequently.
• Keep infected children at home until their symptoms have improved.
• Keep newborn babies away from people with colds or flu.
• Children exposed to cigarette smoke at home tend to get a more severe form of bronchiolitis – Do not smoke in the house.

Key points to remember:

• Bronchiolitis gets better in a week to ten days (although the cough may last longer).
• Bronchiolitis is a viral infection, so antibiotics will not help.
• Your child may need to take smaller feeds more often.
• Speak to your doctor if your child has difficulty with breathing or feeding.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Paediatric Department on tel: 01482 674465.