Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection that affects babies and young children under a year old. The early symptoms are similar to those of a common cold and include a runny nose and cough.

Causes

Bronchiolitis is caused by a virus known as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and is spread through tiny droplets of liquid from the coughs or sneezes of someone who is infected.

Symptoms

Symptoms of bronchiolitis include;

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Fever

Your child may also experience shortness of breath and breathing that is rapid and laboured with wheezing after a few days

Treatment

• Have your child drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration
• Consider saline nose drops or suctioning with a bulb to remove mucus from your babies nose if blocked
• Fever medicine may help reduce fever discomfort