Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in babies and young children, usually under 2 years old. It's caused by a virus — most often respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — that inflames the small airways in the lungs, making it hard for the baby to breathe and feed.

Symptoms

Bronchiolitis often starts like a common cold:

• Runny or blocked nose
• Mild cough
• Slightly raised temperature

Over 2-3 days it can progress to:

• Worsening cough
• Fast, noisy breathing; wheezing
• Difficulty feeding
• Fewer wet nappies
• Irritability or unusual drowsiness

When to see a doctor urgently

Dial 112 or take the baby to hospital immediately if:

• Breathing very fast, or with obvious effort — chest pulling in, grunting
• Skin looks pale, grey, or blue (including lips and tongue)
• Baby is drowsy, not responding normally
• Not feeding at all or feeding less than half the usual amount
• Has had a high fever and is getting worse

Care

Most bronchiolitis is mild and gets better at home over 1-2 weeks. Care is supportive:

• Keep the baby upright and comfortable
• Offer smaller, more frequent feeds
• Saline nose drops before feeds can help clear a blocked nose
• Paracetamol (in appropriate doses for age and weight) for fever
• Avoid cold medicines and cough syrups in young children — not safe

Severe cases may need hospital admission for oxygen, fluids, and nasal feeding. Most babies recover fully. Some babies — especially those born preterm, with congenital heart disease, or with underlying lung or immune conditions — are at higher risk of severe bronchiolitis.

Prevention

• Keep babies away from people with cold symptoms
• Frequent handwashing
• Don't smoke around babies; avoid secondhand smoke
• Exclusive breastfeeding where possible for the first 6 months
• Seasonal flu vaccine once the baby is old enough