Bronchiolitis has a way of sneaking up on you. One day, your child has a runny nose and a light cough — and by the next, they’re wheezing, working hard to breathe and your heart is in your throat. It’s common (especially in babies and toddlers), but that doesn’t make it any less frightening when it hits.

Here’s what I’ve learned — and what I hope will help you, too.

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What is bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation in the smallest airways of the lungs — the bronchioles. These tiny tubes get swollen and filled with mucus, making it harder for air to move in and out.

It’s most often caused by RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), but other viruses like influenza, rhinovirus, or even COVID-19 can lead to it.

It mostly affects children under 2 years old — especially babies around 3 to 6 months — because their airways are still so small.

At first, bronchiolitis may look like a regular cold:

• Runny nose
• Mild cough
• Low-grade fever

But over the next few days, things can escalate.

Common symptoms include:

• Fast or shallow breathing
• Wheezing (a high-pitched sound when breathing out)
• Flaring nostrils or tummy breathing (using chest and belly muscles to breathe)
• Feeding less or refusing milk
• Seeming tired or less alert than usual

If you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding and baby keeps pulling away, gasping, or can’t finish a feed, that’s a red flag to pay attention to.

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When should you see a doctor?

When my son had RSV that eventually developed into bronchiolitis, we almost mistook it for a bad cold. But he suddenly struggled to breathe — and we rushed him to the emergency room. He was hospitalised and put on oxygen. Looking back, I’m just grateful we didn’t wait.

If your child seems to be breathing harder than usual, or just doesn’t seem like themselves — don’t hesitate to get medical help. It’s always better to be safe.

Always trust your gut — but do head to the doctor if your child:

• Has trouble breathing or is breathing very fast
• Has lips or fingertips that look bluish
• Refuses to eat or drink
• Is very drowsy or unusually irritable
• Has fewer wet diapers than usual (dehydration is a concern)

For very young babies (under 3 months), even a slight fever should be checked out.

If you’re ever unsure — just go. It’s always better to have peace of mind.

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What helps (and what to expect)

Unfortunately, antibiotics won’t be useful for bronchiolitis as it is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Most of the time, your child won’t need any specific medicine, just time, care and comfort. But there are ways to ease their symptoms and help them recover.

Here’s what’s helped us, and what might help you too:

Keep them hydrated

This is key. Even if your child doesn’t feel like drinking or feeding as usual, offer small, frequent feeds — whether it’s breastmilk, formula, or water (if your child is old enough).

Sick babies often feed less because it’s hard to breathe and suck at the same time, so shorter sessions every hour or two are often more manageable. Watch for signs of dehydration like fewer wet diapers, dry lips, or unusually sleepy behaviour.

Clear the mucus

When their little noses are blocked, everything becomes harder — breathing, feeding, sleeping. Use saline spray or drops to loosen thick mucus, followed by a nasal aspirator (like a bulb syringe or suction device). It’s especially helpful to do this:

• Before a feed, so they can suck and swallow more easily
• Before bed, to help them rest better

If they hate it (and many babies do), try wrapping them gently in a towel to keep their arms still — it helps the process go quicker and smoother.

Elevate the head slightly

A slight incline can make it easier for mucus to drain and relieve that congested feeling.

In our house, we’ve found our own ways to do this — including a unique method of propping up pillows to create a gentle slope. When they’re feeling unwell, my kids even prefer resting in our tilt-back armchair, which helps them stay upright and breathe more comfortably.

But for babies under 1, avoid using pillows directly. Instead, you can:

• Place a firm towel under the cot mattress (not on top)
• Hold baby upright for a while after feeding
• Use a safe baby rocker or carrier for short naps under supervision

Just be mindful not to let them sleep in anything unsupervised if it’s not designed for overnight use.

Humidify the air

Cool mist humidifiers are a godsend when airways are inflamed. They add moisture to the air, which helps soothe the lungs and loosen stubborn phlegm. Tip: Use clean distilled water and clean the humidifier daily to avoid mould or bacteria buildup. If you don’t have one, try the steamy bathroom trick: run a hot shower and sit with your child in the bathroom for 10–15 minutes.

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Monitor closely

Bronchiolitis can get worse before it gets better. Keep a close eye on:

• Breathing (is it getting faster or noisier?)
• Feeding (are they eating less or pulling away?)
• General behaviour (are they alert and responsive or unusually sleepy?)

If something feels off, or if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to check in with your doctor. You know your child best, and bronchiolitis can change quickly — so it’s always better to get seen early than to wait and worry.

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How long does it last?

Bronchiolitis typically peaks around day 3 to 5 and then gradually improves. The cough can linger for a few weeks, but the worst is usually over within 7–10 days.

DISCLAIMER:

This post is written from one parent to another, based on lived experiences. It’s meant to offer comfort and support — but not to replace medical advice. If you’re unsure about your child’s symptoms or care, please consult your doctor or a healthcare professional you trust.