Bronchiolitis

Generally, bronchiolitis is caused by viruses such as the respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, influenza, rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, and human metapneumovirus. In rare cases, bronchiolitis may also be caused by bacteria.

A child has a higher risk of bronchiolitis if they were born prematurely, has chronic heart or lung diseases, or has a weakened immune system due to a recent illness.

Recovery period for bronchiolitis

Your child may continue to be unwell for 7 – 10 days. As they recover, the cough can continue to persist for up to 4 weeks. It’s also possible for your child to get bronchiolitis again, as there are many viruses that can cause bronchiolitis. 

Preventing bronchiolitis

Your child contracts viruses if they breathe in infected droplets in the air or touch objects with infected droplets from other persons who are unwell. Avoid close contact with persons who are unwell.

Your baby can also get the flu vaccine to protect them from more contagious flu strains from the age of 6 months. This should be repeated on a yearly basis.

Ensure that your home is a smoke-free environment. Infants exposed to cigarette smoke are at increased risk of bronchiolitis.

During an episode of bronchiolitis, your child may show common flu-like symptoms like clogged or runny nose and mild cough in the initial few days. Around the fourth to fifth day, the following symptoms of bronchiolitis may develop and worsen:

• Rapid breathing
• Noisy breathing with wheezing sound
• Difficulty in breathing
• Difficulty in eating or drinking
• Irritability and fever

Your child may continue to feel sick for up to 10 days. The cough may last for up to 4 weeks.