What is Bronchiolitis?

• Bronchiolitis is caused by a virus called RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). This virus is the most frequent cause of serious respiratory tract infections in infants and children under four years.

• RSV can be spread to younger children and infants by close contact with older family members who may have only mild cold symptoms. Careful disposal of tissues and objects that may contain infectious secretions and regular hand washing play a big part in preventing the spread of the virus.

• In most children the virus simply causes a mild respiratory infection similar to a common cold. Therefore most children affected do not require hospital admission.

• Although RSV occurs throughout the year, it is most common during the winter months.

What are the symptoms?

Your child may: -
• Have a slight fever, above 37.5 C
• Have a snuffly/runny nose becoming worse in the evenings
• Develop a troublesome cough which may cause some vomiting
• Become breathless and may sound wheezy
• Breathe more rapidly
• Seem tired and sleep more
• Not be interested in feeding or take less feed

How long will the illness last?

• This virus often causes children to become worse before they get better and usually peaks at about 3-4 days. This is the normal way this illness progresses. This illness lasts for about 2-3 weeks and usually subsides slowly. When your child is feeding and is able to breathe more easily without needing extra oxygen you will be allowed to take them home to continue their care until they are fully recovered.

What tests can be done?

• Some secretions will be taken from your child’s nose and sent to the laboratory.

• The nasal secretions will be tested for viruses and bacteria in order to help diagnose your child’s illness.

• You will be told of the results.

What is the treatment?

There is no medicine that is effective for treating Bronchiolitis. However in hospital we can make your child more comfortable and monitor your child’s condition very carefully.

• If necessary, we can give oxygen to help with their breathing. In severe cases oxygen may be required for several days.

• Feeds in smaller amounts, at more frequent intervals, may be easier for a baby to tolerate.

• If your child is unable to take normal feeds then they may be given Dioralyte or Rehydrat (salt and sugar solutions that are easier to drink and tolerate than milk).

• If your child is unable to drink at all, it may be necessary to give them tube feeds through their nostrils into their tummy or fluids into the vein through a small plastic tube. This is called a drip.

• Prior to feeds your child may be given suction via a tiny tube into their nostril in order to remove any nasal secretions. This will help them to feed more easily.

How can we continue care at home?

• It is important never to smoke in the same house as your child as this will make them cough and become breathless again. Smoking can affect a child’s developing lungs.

• After discharge your child should be kept in a warm and well-aired room.

• You should not take them outdoors until they are fully recovered.

• There is often no need for your child to come back to the hospital after discharge.

If feeding deteriorates, or breathing becomes more difficult, please contact your GP

Will my child get RSV again?

• Although a child can get a second RSV infection it is very likely that the symptoms will be much milder than the first time.