Bronchiolitis (Child)

Symptoms | Treatments

What is

Symptoms

Treatment

Other Information

What is - Bronchiolitis (Child)

Bronchiolitis is a common infection in young children, occurring mainly in infants and children less than two years old. It is caused by viruses that affect the small air passages in the lungs.

Symptoms of Bronchiolitis (Child)

The illness begins as a cold, leading to cough and breathlessness. This may interfere with feeding and sleep. Babies with bronchiolitis are usually sick for three to five days and gradually recover over the next three days. However, the cough may persist for two to three weeks.

Bring your child to the doctor if he/she:

Has difficulty breathing
Is unable to sleep due to cough or breathing difficulty
Appears lethargic
Is easily irritable and difficult to calm down
Is not feeding or taking fluids well
Has not wet the diapers in the last six to eight hours and his/her lips are dry
Has pale or greyish skin colour (late sign)

Treatment for Bronchiolitis (Child)

Bronchiolitis is usually mild and treatment is largely supportive eg. rest, adequate feeding and fluid intake, and fever medication if fever is present. However, if your child develops shortness of breath or poor feeding, he/she may require admission to the hospital for further treatment. Treatment may involve the use of oxygen, nebuliser treatment, tube feeding or intravenous drip and other medications.

Bronchiolitis (Child) - Other Information

Caring for your child upon discharge from hospital

Use medications as directed by your doctor
Clear your child's nose of mucus regularly
Laying your child on his/her back with the cot angled upwards at 30° to 45° or on the side may help him/her to breathe easier
Avoid exposure to smoke
Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling your child
Seek medical care if there are persistent symptoms after one week