Health Library

Bronchiolitis

What are Causes of Bronchiolitis?

Viruses cause bronchiolitis. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis. Many other viruses that cause colds in older children and adults can cause bronchiolitis in infants.

Young children catch a virus during close contact with other children, family members and those who are infected. The virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes while in close contact with another child or adult. The virus can also be spread by hands touching contaminated objects or surfaces then touching eyes, nose or mouth. Children usually start to feel sick about three to seven days later.

What are Signs and Symptoms of Bronchiolitis?

• Bronchiolitis usually starts with a cold, fever, runny nose, stuffiness and poor appetite.
• After a few days, your baby may start wheezing, have trouble breathing, or breathe fast.
• More severe symptoms include having bluish skin and/or using the stomach muscles to help breathe.

How is Bronchiolitis Diagnosed?

Your child’s provider will diagnosis bronchiolitis by physical exam and review your child’s symptoms with you. Your provider will listen to your child’s lungs, see how hard they are working to breathe, and check their oxygen level.

No medical tests are needed to diagnosis bronchiolitis. Sometimes, a nasal swab specimen will be taken to determine the type of virus causing the problem.

If your child’s oxygen level is low or your provider is concerned for pneumonia, they may get an X-ray of the lungs.

Discharge from Hospital

Very few babies with bronchiolitis stay in the hospital more than two to three days. They usually go home when:

• Breathing is slower and easier
• They are eating well
• Any medicines or oxygen, if still needed, can be given at home
• There is someone in the home who can use a nasal bulb suction
• Your baby's doctor is comfortable with and agrees to all of the discharge plans
• A follow-up appointment with the doctor has been arranged
• And, most importantly, you are comfortable that your baby is ready for discharge

After Discharge from Hospital

• It is normal for your child to have symptoms for a few days after discharge. (Check with your child care provider to find out when your child can return. Your family may find it needs to take time off work to provide extra care for your baby.)
• Wheezing usually gets better in two to five days.
• Stuffy nose and cough may last another one to two weeks.
• Sleeping and eating routines may not return to normal for four to seven days.

Reminders

• Be sure no one smokes in the house. Smoke is very bad for babies and especially bad for babies with bronchiolitis.
• For the next several weeks, be sure to wash hands frequently especially after handling your infant.
• Use saltwater nose drops and suction your baby's nose if stuffy and if plugged up before feedings or putting your baby down to sleep. You can buy saltwater nose drops at any drug store, or you can make saltwater nose drops at home.
• Don't give decongestant nose drops or any antihistamines or other cold medicines unless told to do so by the doctor.
• For more information, talk with your child's doctor or nurse. You can also find very good books on children's illnesses in bookstores or libraries. 

Related Topic

• Bronchiolitis – Essential Facts