Bronchiolitis factsheet
Introduction
Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection that often affects babies under 12 months old. It is caused by viruses and usually happens during the winter months.
The virus infects the small breathing tubes in the lungs, called bronchioles. This inflammation and build-up of mucus which narrows the tubes and makes it difficult to breathe.
Most babies will only have bronchiolitis once, but it is possible to get it again.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of bronchiolitis can start as general cold and flu symptoms, including:
- a runny nose
- fever
- coughing.
After a day or so, your baby may have:
- a worse cough
- wheezing – fast and noisy breathing
- retractions - when the skin pulls in at the neck and chest as they breathe.
When babies work hard to breathe, they may struggle to feed properly and refuse the breast or bottle.
Babies with bronchiolitis are usually sick for 7–10 days. The cough may continue for up to 2-4 weeks.
Diagnosis
Your local doctor can diagnose bronchiolitis by:
- doing a physical exam of your child
- checking any symptoms
- doing a swab of the nose and throat to see what type of virus they have.
Treatment
At home
Babies with mild to moderate symptoms can be cared for at home with rest and fluids. Feeding should be done in small amounts, but more frequently. This is to help keep them hydrated without becoming tired too quickly.
If your baby has a fever and is unsettled, you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen. Follow the instructions on the packaging and contact your local doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
Antibiotics do not work to treat viruses and are not usually prescribed for bronchiolitis.
Bronchiolitis is contagious and can spread easily to other children. Keep your baby at home while they are sick and avoid contact with other people until they are better.
Make sure you wash your hands before and after handling your baby to stop the virus from spreading to yourself and others.
In hospital
Babies with bronchiolitis may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment if:
- their symptoms become severe
- they are unable to breathe properly
- they are not feeding and become dehydrated.
Treatment for bronchiolitis in the hospital can include:
- oxygen support to help with breathing
- fluids to treat dehydration.
Management
Bronchiolitis, cigarette smoke and vaping
Babies who are exposed to cigarette smoke in their homes are more likely to get bronchiolitis.
Parents and carers should not smoke cigarettes or vape around babies and children, especially if they have trouble breathing or are unwell.
If you do smoke, do so away from babies and children and never in a closed space like the car or inside the home.
After smoking or vaping, wash your hands and clothing before contact with your baby or child.
Make sure any other family members or visitors who smoke or vape follow the same rules to keep your child healthy and breathing well.
When to see your doctor
See your local doctor if your child:
- has a cough that is getting worse or has lasted longer than 4 weeks
- is refusing the breast or bottle
- has fewer wet nappies
- seems very tired or is more sleepy than usual.
Go to your nearest doctor or emergency department or call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance if your baby:
- has difficulty breathing
- is breathing very fast
- cannot feed normally because of coughing or wheezing
- turns blue or has skin that is pale and sweaty.
