bronchiolitis
also known as: RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, RSV bronchiolitis
bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory infection in babies and children under 2, usually caused by RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). it causes swelling and mucus build-up in the smallest airways. most cases are mild, but it can be serious in very young babies and premature infants.
contagious
yes — RSV is highly contagious, spread through droplets and surfaces
duration
7-10 days, but cough can linger for 2-4 weeks
common age
under 12 months — peak at 2-6 months
symptoms
- •starts like a cold — runny nose, mild cough, low fever
- •wheezing or whistling sound when breathing out
- •rapid or laboured breathing
- •difficulty feeding — may take less milk than usual
- •irritability
- •symptoms usually peak around day 2-3 and improve by day 7-10
when to see a doctor
see your GP or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if:
- •your child is under 3 months old
- •difficulty breathing — ribs pulling in, nostrils flaring
- •breathing very fast
- •taking less than half their usual feeds
- •no wet nappy for 6+ hours
- •your child is very drowsy or hard to wake
- •fever above 38.5degC in a baby under 3 months
when to call 000
call 000 immediately if:
- •skin looks blue or very pale (especially lips and fingernails)
- •pauses in breathing (apnoea) lasting more than 10 seconds
- •your child is unresponsive or floppy
- •severe breathing difficulty — grunting, head bobbing, chest sucking in deeply
home treatment
- •keep your child hydrated — offer smaller, more frequent feeds
- •use saline nasal drops and a bulb syringe to clear a blocked nose before feeds
- •keep your child slightly upright (elevate head of cot slightly)
- •give paracetamol for fever and discomfort
- •do NOT give cough medicines — they do not work for bronchiolitis
- •avoid smoke exposure
- •wash hands frequently to prevent spread
- •antibiotics do not help — bronchiolitis is caused by a virus
prevention
- •handwashing is the most important preventive measure
- •avoid contact with people who have colds, especially in winter
- •do not expose babies to cigarette smoke
- •breastfeeding provides some protection against severe RSV
- •nirsevimab (Beyfortus) immunisation is now available for high-risk infants
- •clean surfaces and toys regularly
this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. if you are concerned about your child, see your GP, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), or in an emergency call 000. mini mode is not affiliated with any government department or health service.