Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection that affects babies and young children under 2 years old. It causes the small airways in the lungs (bronchioles) to become inflamed and full of mucus, making it harder to breathe. 

It usually starts like a cold but can become more serious over a few days. 

Bronchiolitis is caused by a virus. The most common one is the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), especially in autumn and winter. 

The virus spreads through: 

• Coughs and sneezes 

• Touching shared surfaces or toys 

• Close contact with others who have a cold 

• Runny nose and cough 

• Noisy breathing or wheezing 

• Fast or difficult breathing 

• Poor feeding 

• Slight fever (not always) 

Symptoms are usually worst around day 3–5, then slowly improve. Most children get better within 1–2 weeks. 

Most cases are mild and can be managed at home. You can help your child by: 

• Feeding little and often – smaller, more frequent feeds 
• Keeping them upright – helps ease breathing
• Saline nose drops – to help with congestion 
• Using paracetamol or ibuprofen – if your baby has a fever or is uncomfortable
• Keeping them cool – avoid overheating 

Let them rest as needed. They may be more tired than usual. 

Go to A&E if your child has: 

• Working hard to breathe (chest sucking in, flaring nostrils) 

• Wheezing or grunting when breathing 

• Pauses in breathing or very noisy breathing 

• Poor feeding (less than half normal amount or refusing feeds) 

• No wet nappies for 12+ hours 

• Very tired or hard to wake 

• Blue lips or tongue 

These may be signs your child needs urgent hospital care. 

If your child is admitted to hospital, they may receive: 

• Oxygen therapy – via nasal prongs or a mask 

• Tube or syringe feeding – if they can’t feed by mouth 

• Close monitoring of breathing and hydration 

Most children are discharged once they are feeding and breathing more easily. 

Yes – it’s possible to get bronchiolitis more than once. However, future episodes are often milder as your child’s immune system becomes stronger. 

Most children make a full recovery without long-term problems.