Bronchiolitis
General information on bronchiolitis — a common infant illness, symptoms and care.
Bronchiolitis is a common viral infection of the small airways in infants and young children, usually mild but occasionally serious enough to need hospital care. This page is general educational information, not medical advice for your specific situation.
Common Symptoms
- Runny nose and mild cough initially
- Wheezing
- Rapid or laboured breathing
- Difficulty feeding
- Mild fever
How It's Typically Managed
- Supportive care at home — fluids, saline nasal drops, and monitoring breathing
- Keeping the child upright and comfortable to ease breathing
- Avoiding smoke exposure
- Hospital care for more severe cases, as directed by a doctor
This is a general overview of typical care, not a prescription. Only a doctor who has examined you can prescribe specific medication or dosage.
Foods That May Help
- Smaller, more frequent feeds if breathing makes normal feeding difficult
Foods to Limit or Avoid
- Smoke exposure around the child
When to See a Doctor
- Rapid or laboured breathing, flaring nostrils, or ribs pulling in with each breath
- Bluish lips, poor feeding, or extreme lethargy (seek emergency care immediately)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of Bronchiolitis?
Runny nose and mild cough initially; Wheezing; Rapid or laboured breathing; Difficulty feeding; Mild fever.
How is Bronchiolitis managed?
Supportive care at home — fluids, saline nasal drops, and monitoring breathing; Keeping the child upright and comfortable to ease breathing; Avoiding smoke exposure; Hospital care for more severe cases, as directed by a doctor.
When should I see a doctor for Bronchiolitis?
Rapid or laboured breathing, flaring nostrils, or ribs pulling in with each breath; Bluish lips, poor feeding, or extreme lethargy (seek emergency care immediately).
What foods may help with Bronchiolitis?
Smaller, more frequent feeds if breathing makes normal feeding difficult.
What foods should I avoid with Bronchiolitis?
Smoke exposure around the child.
This article is AI-generated for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and has not been independently verified by a licensed clinician unless stated above under "Medically reviewed by." Always consult a qualified doctor for guidance specific to you — you can book an online consultation on greenhealtheasy in a few minutes.
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