Bronchiolitis: What to watch for and how to help your baby breathe easier
Bronchiolitis is a common viral infection that affects small airways in the lungs — and mostly shows up in babies under 2. The most common cause is RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Symptoms can climb fast: runny nose, cough, wheeze, faster breathing, and trouble feeding. Most kids get better in a week or two, but some need extra care.
Recognize the warning signs
Pay close attention to breathing and hydration. Go to urgent care or the ER if you see any of these: very fast or labored breathing, skin pulling in between ribs, blue or very pale lips/face, poor feeding (less wet diapers than usual), high fever in a young infant, or if your child looks extremely sleepy or unresponsive. If your child was born early or has heart or lung disease, call your doctor early — they’re at higher risk for complications.
At home, you can check breathing by watching the chest and belly — nasal flaring and pulling in around the ribs mean extra effort. Keep a thermometer handy and trust your instincts: if something feels off, reach out for care.
Practical home care that helps
Simple steps often make a big difference. Use saline nose drops and a bulb syringe or nasal suction to clear small noses so they can breathe and feed better. Keep the child upright for feeding and offer smaller, more frequent feeds if they tire easily. Keep the room comfortably humid with a cool-mist humidifier or steam from a hot shower (don’t leave the child unattended near hot water).
Fever can be managed with age-appropriate fever reducers, but check dosing with your pediatrician. Avoid unproven treatments: routine antibiotics don’t work for viral bronchiolitis, and most inhaled bronchodilators are no longer routinely recommended. Your clinician will advise if oxygen, IV fluids, or suctioning in clinic or hospital are needed.
Prevention matters. Wash hands often, keep sick visitors away from young babies, clean toys and surfaces, and avoid crowded places during RSV season. For certain high-risk infants, new preventive options (like RSV monoclonal antibodies) are available — ask your pediatrician whether your child qualifies.
If you’re unsure what to do next, call your doctor. They can guide you on home care, check signs that need urgent help, and tell you when a clinic visit or hospital check is needed. For more reading and practical tips, check related articles on DoctorSolve.com like "Herbal Bronchodilators: Natural Asthma Relief vs. Ventolin" and "Essential Travel Tips for Individuals with Obstructive Pulmonary Disease," which cover breathing support and travel planning for those with lung concerns.
Bronchiolitis can feel scary, but with the right steps — clearing airways, keeping babies fed and hydrated, and knowing the red flags — most families get through it fine. Keep close watch, and don’t hesitate to get help when things change.