Information for Parents

Bronchiolitis is an infection of the small airways of the lung (the bronchioles). It is a common condition of babies. Most babies are not seriously ill and make a full recovery. Sometimes it becomes more serious and hospital care may be needed.

Bronchiolitis is usually caused by a virus called the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Other viruses are sometimes the cause. RSV is spread in tiny water droplets coughed and sneezed into the air. Infected bronchioles become swollen and full of mucus.

It most commonly occurs in babies aged 3-6 months. For most it is not a serious illness. However, about 3 in 100 babies are admitted to hospital with bronchiolitis before they are 12 months old.

Babies at higher risk of developing a more serious illness with bronchiolitis include:

• Premature babies.

• Babies with heart conditions.

• Babies who already have a lung condition.

What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis in the UK usually occurs in the winter months (November to March).

• Cold symptoms: a runny nose, cough and mild high temperature (fever) for the first 2-3 days.

• Fast breathing, difficulty with breathing and wheezing may develop as the infection travels down to the bronchioles. The number of breaths per minute may go as high as 60-80.

• The nostrils may open out (flare) and the muscles between the ribs may move inwards during each breath. This is because the baby needs more effort than normal to breathe.

• The baby may have difficulty feeding and taking drinks. The baby may struggle to breathe and to feed at the same time.

Typically, symptoms peak in severity after 2-3 days. The severity of the illness can vary from mild (being a bit worse than a heavy cold) to severe with serious breathing difficulties.

Symptoms then usually gradually ease and go within 1-2 weeks. An irritating cough can linger a bit longer, up to several weeks.

What do I need to know?

Bronchiolitis is a self-limiting illness. This means it will normally go as the immune system clears the virus. There is no medicine that will kill the virus. Antibiotic medicines do not kill viruses. The aims of treatment include:

• To make sure your child does not become low in body fluids (dehydrated). This may occur if your child does not feed or drink well

• To help with breathing if this becomes difficult

• To be alert for possible complications

Hospital treatment

The main reason for hospital admission is concern over poor drinking or feeding. In hospital your child can be fed by a tube passed into the stomach if necessary. Extra oxygen may be given if breathing is difficult.

Many types of treatments have been tried over the years. Unfortunately, research has shown that none of them makes a big difference to the course of the illness. That is why treatment is supportive, whilst your child’s immune system kills the virus.

When to be concerned

You should return to The Children’s Urgent Care Centre (0800-2000 Monday-Sunday) or Accident and Emergency (out of hours) if your child has any of the following symptoms:

• Reduced feeding or drinking
• Increase in the number of breaths each minute
• Difficulty in breathing
• Change in colour from pink to pale or blue

Further Information

If you need any more information or advice between the hours of 0800-2000 Monday-Sunday please call The Children’s Urgent Care Centre on 02073906150.

Out of hours please contact NHS 111.

Call NHS 111 if you need medical help fast, but its not life threatening- for example, if you:

• Think you need to go to hospital
• Don’t know who to call for medical help
• Don’t have a GP to call
• Need medical advice or reassurance about what to do next.

In case of emergency please call 999 or attend your local Children’s Emergency Department.