Clinical Portal 2026 Dr. Murali Gopal
Parent guide

Bronchiolitis in Infants

A practical guide for parents on infant cough, wheeze, breathing signs, feeding support, home care, and urgent warning signs.

Parent Guide Draft
Viral lower airway infection Watch feeding Count wet nappies Breathing signs matter
Indian parent calmly observing an infant with mild bronchiolitis symptoms

Dr. Murali Gopal

Senior Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist
MCR: 57489
MBBS, DCH(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCPCH(UK), CCT Paediatrics (UK), Fellow in Paediatric Pulmonology (Aus), Allergology (Ind)
Last reviewed: 6 June 2026

Many mild bronchiolitis cases are managed with supportive care, but breathing and feeding must be watched closely. Babies can worsen over the first few days. If your baby is young, feeding poorly, breathing hard, or you are worried, seek medical review.

What is it?

Bronchiolitis is a viral lower airway infection, common in babies and young children. It often starts like a cold, then cough, noisy breathing, wheeze, or breathing difficulty may develop.

RSV is one common cause, but other viruses can also cause bronchiolitis. A doctor should assess babies with concerning symptoms because home diagnosis alone is not enough.

Symptoms and signs

  • Runny nose or mild fever followed by cough.
  • Noisy breathing, wheeze, fast breathing, or chest recession.
  • Reduced feeding, shorter feeds, or tiring during feeds.
  • Irritability, unsettled sleep, or mild fever.
  • Fewer wet nappies if feeding is reduced.

Causes and spread

Bronchiolitis spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact, and contaminated hands or surfaces. Babies are more vulnerable because their airways are small and they must coordinate breathing and feeding.

  • Wash hands before handling the baby and after wiping noses.
  • Keep babies away from smoke, strong fumes, and sick contacts where possible.
  • Avoid kissing the baby on the face if adults or siblings have cold symptoms.

Home management

  • Offer smaller, more frequent breastfeeds or bottle feeds if the baby tires easily.
  • Monitor wet nappies and urine. Fewer wet nappies may suggest dehydration.
  • Keep the baby comfortable and avoid overheating.
  • Gentle nasal clearing may help some babies feed more comfortably when the nose is blocked.
  • Arrange medical review if feeding, breathing, or alertness is worsening.

What to avoid

  • Do not start antibiotics for routine bronchiolitis unless a doctor suspects bacterial infection. Antibiotics do not treat viral bronchiolitis.
  • Do not use routine nebulisers, bronchodilators, steroids, or cough medicines unless advised by a doctor.
  • Do not expose the baby to cigarette smoke, incense smoke, mosquito coil smoke, or strong household fumes.
  • Do not delay review if breathing is getting harder or feeding is dropping.

School and daycare guidance

Babies and young children should stay home while feverish, breathing harder than usual, feeding poorly, or unable to participate comfortably. Follow local daycare policy and your doctor advice for return.

Important facts

  • Bronchiolitis is usually viral and treatment is mainly supportive.
  • Feeding can become difficult because babies breathe and feed at the same time.
  • Breathing can worsen before it improves, especially in young babies.
  • Premature babies and babies with heart or lung disease need extra caution.

Red flags / when to seek urgent care

Seek urgent medical care if your baby has bronchiolitis symptoms with any of these signs:
  • Age under 3 months with breathing symptoms.
  • Premature baby or known heart or lung disease.
  • Pauses in breathing, apnoea, blue lips, or colour change.
  • Severe chest indrawing, grunting, or very fast breathing.
  • Poor feeding, taking much less than usual, or repeated vomiting.
  • Fewer wet nappies, dry mouth, or other dehydration signs.
  • Unusually sleepy, floppy, difficult to wake, or worsening breathing.
  • You are worried or feel something is seriously wrong.

Medical disclaimer

General education only This guide is parent education only and does not replace medical consultation, diagnosis, emergency care, oxygen assessment, feeding assessment, medicine advice, or individualized advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Seek medical advice for symptoms specific to your baby.

References

  1. RCH Kids Health Info. Bronchiolitis. Accessed 20 May 2026.
  2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Bronchiolitis in children: diagnosis and management. Accessed 20 May 2026.
  3. American Academy of Pediatrics. Bronchiolitis guidance. Accessed 20 May 2026.
  4. NHS. Bronchiolitis. Accessed 20 May 2026.

Medical review and references

Reviewed byDr. Murali Gopal

Last reviewed2026-06-06

Medical review statusClinician reviewed

ReferencesRCH Kids Health Info: Bronchiolitis; NICE bronchiolitis in children diagnosis and management; American Academy of Pediatrics bronchiolitis guidance; NHS bronchiolitis guidance

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This parent guide is for general education only and does not replace consultation with your child’s paediatrician. Please seek medical care urgently if your child appears seriously unwell, has breathing difficulty, poor feeding, dehydration, altered responsiveness, or if you are worried.

© Dr. Murali Gopal | For Patient Education Only This educational material is intended for parent and patient education. Reproduction, redistribution, or modification without permission is not allowed.