HealthInfo Canterbury
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection. It affects babies in their first year of life, usually in the winter. It's usually caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
If your baby has bronchiolitis they may have a fever, runny nose, and a cough, often with noisy breathing (wheeze). It's usually a mild illness, but some babies get more sick, with trouble breathing and feeding.
Bronchiolitis is very easy to catch. Ways to help protect your baby from catching it include:
- breastfeeding
- keeping your home smokefree
- making sure you and your family have good hand hygiene.
There's no medicine to take that makes bronchiolitis better. Most babies who catch it can be cared for at home.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Christchurch Hospital Child Health Department – Bronchiolitis
A short factsheet that describes the symptoms and treatment of bronchiolitis, and has some useful tips for reducing the spread of this highly infectious condition.
- KidsHealth – Bronchiolitis
More detailed information about bronchiolitis, including instructions on caring for your child at home.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed October 2021.
Review key: HIUCB-33560
