Understanding Bronchiolitis
What is it? Bronchiolitis is a viral infection of the small airways (bronchioles) in the lungs that most commonly affects infants and young children. It begins with cold-like symptoms but can progress to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child's bronchiolitis at home when:
- Child has mild to moderate symptoms of nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal discharge, cough
- Fever in a child >2 months that responds to fever reducing medications
- Child is drinking fluids and has wet diapers
- Child is alert and consolable; may be irritable
How to Treat at Home
🏠 Home remedies for bronchiolitis:
- Nasal suctioning with saline prior to feeds/sleep
- Hydration: frequent small feeds; monitor for wet diapers (at least 3–4/day)
- Humidity: cool mist humidifier can ease congestion
- Positioning: upright/carseat sitting may help breathing (while awake)
- Avoid: bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics
Safe Medications
- No medications cure bronchiolitis - time and supportive care are the only treatment
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) can be used for fever/discomfort
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again when:
- Age <3 months with poor feeding (<50% usual intake)
- Mild to moderate respiratory distress: some retractions, nasal flaring
- Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, no tears, decreased urine output
- Worsening symptoms after day 5 or no improvement after 10 days
- Parents concerned about breathing or feeding
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child has:
- Apnea (breathing stops) or color changes (blue, gray, pale)
- Cyanosis or severe labored breathing
- Signs of severe respiratory distress: significant retractions, head bobbing, grunting
- Extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
