Quick read
Key points
- 1
Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in babies and young children, usually caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It causes inflammation and mucus build-up in the small airways of the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and rapid or noisy breathing.
- 2
Recognise infant respiratory distress and feeding deterioration, provide supportive care, reduce smoke exposure and escalate promptly when breathing or hydration becomes unsafe.
- 3
Your baby is feeding less than half their usual amount
01 · Know
What is Bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in babies and young children, usually caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It causes inflammation and mucus build-up in the small airways of the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and rapid or noisy breathing.
It's most common in babies under 1 year old and usually starts like a common cold before progressing over a few days. Most cases are mild and can be managed at home, but babies — especially those born prematurely or with other health conditions — can become seriously unwell and need hospital treatment.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Symptoms often peak around day 3-5
Bronchiolitis symptoms typically worsen for the first few days before gradually improving, so a baby who seems to be getting a little worse over the first few days, without any warning signs, isn't necessarily cause for alarm on its own.
03 · Act
When to Contact a Doctor (Non-Emergency)
- 1Your baby is feeding less than half their usual amount
- 2Fewer wet nappies than usual
- 3Your baby seems more unwell than a typical cold, or you're simply worried
- 4Symptoms are not improving after a week
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
There Is No Specific Medicine for Bronchiolitis
Since it's caused by a virus, antibiotics won't help, and there's no specific medicine to cure it — care focuses on comfort and watching closely for warning signs.
- 1Offer smaller, more frequent feeds.Babies with bronchiolitis often tire easily while feeding, so smaller amounts more often can help maintain hydration.
- 2Keep your baby upright when possible.This can make breathing more comfortable.
- 3Use saline nasal drops if needed.These can help clear a blocked nose before feeds, making feeding easier.
- 4Monitor wet nappies closely.This is one of the best ways to track whether your baby is staying hydrated.
- 5Avoid smoke exposure.Keep your baby away from cigarette smoke, which can worsen airway irritation.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Bronchiolitis is very common in babies, and most cases are mild and resolve within one to two weeks with care at home.
Rapid breathing, pauses in breathing, or a blue tinge to the skin are signs to seek emergency care immediately.