Bronchiolitis

A number of breathing conditions can affect very young children. One is bronchiolitis.

Bronchiolitis is caused by a virus that affects the small breathing tubes in the lungs, causing babies to cough, breathe quickly and wheeze. Babies who are small, premature or under 4 weeks of age are affected more. Bronchiolitis is a common infection, especially in babies under 6 months of age and very contagious for 3-8 days. (Care with hand washing is important to prevent spreading the infection.) Some babies may have trouble feeding, and will need to rest and drink little and often. It can make babies sick for 3 to 7 days and the cough can last for several weeks. Antibiotics do not help..

 It is very important to seek medical help if:

  • breathing is fast or irregular
  • the child cannot take food or drink
  • the child seems tired, pale or sweaty
  • any signs are worrying you
  • the child does not get better in 3 to 5 days.
  • the child turns blue.

Babies sharing a household with a smoker are more likely to have bronchiolitis and it is more likely to be severe.