Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection that affects babies and young children under a year old. The early symptoms are similar to those of a common cold and include a runny nose and cough.
As it develops, the symptoms of bronchiolitis can include:
- a slight fever (raised temperature)
- a dry and persistent cough
- difficulty feeding
Symptoms usually improve after three days and in most cases the illness isn’t serious.
However, contact your GP or midwife if your child is only able to feed half the normal amount or is struggling to breathe, or if you are generally worried about them. Sometimes further testing is needed to monitor any severe symptoms or check for any underlying conditions.
Read more about diagnosing bronchoilitis.
Bronchiolitis is usually caused by a virus known as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and spread through tiny droplets of liquid from the coughs or sneezes of someone who is infected.
This causes the smallest airways in the lungs (the bronchioles) to become infected and inflamed (swollen). The inflammation reduces the amount of air entering the lungs, making it more difficult to breathe.
Read more information about the causes of bronchiolitis.
Who is affected?
It is estimated that one-third of children in the UK develop bronchiolitis in their first year of life. The condition is most common in babies between three and six months old. By the age of two, almost all infants have been infected with RSV and 40%-50% will have had bronchiolitis.
Bronchiolitis is most common during the winter months, from November to March. It’s also possible to get bronchiolitis more than once during the same season.
Treating bronchiolitis
There is no medication to kill the viruses that cause bronchiolitis, but the infection usually clears up within two weeks without any need for treatment. Most children can be cared for at home in the same way that you’d treat a cold. Make sure that your child gets enough fluid to avoid dehydration and give infants paracetamol or ibuprofen to bring down any temperature.
Read more information about treating bronchiolitis.
Around 3% of babies with bronchiolitis need to go to hospital. This is because they develop more serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing. This is more common in premature babies (babies born before week 37 of pregnancy) and those born with a heart or lung condition.
Read more about the complications of bronchiolitis.
Preventing bronchiolitis
Although it is very difficult to prevent bronchiolitis, you can take steps to reduce your child’s risk of catching it and help prevent the virus spreading. This includes:
- washing both your child’s hands and your hands frequently
- washing or wiping toys and surfaces regularly
- keeping infected children at home until their symptoms have improved
- keeping newborn babies away from people with colds or flu
- preventing your child being exposed to tobacco smoke
Some children who are at high risk of severe bronchiolitis may also require monthly antibody injections, which help limit the severity of the condition.
Read more information about preventing bronchiolitis.
