Bronchiolitis is a respiratory infection in the smallest branches of the lungs, called bronchioles. These small airways can become blocked by mucus and inflammation, making it difficult for children to breathe. Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization in children under the age of 1.
Bronchiolitis is caused by a viral infection. In many cases, the condition begins as a common cold. While many viruses can cause bronchiolitis, the most common cause is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The most common symptoms of bronchiolitis are runny nose, cough, fever and wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound when you breathe).
Children under the age of 2; premature infants; children with immune system, heart or lung problems; and children exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to get bronchiolitis.
You can help reduce your child’s risk for bronchiolitis by breast-feeding, eliminating any exposure to tobacco smoke, cleaning shared surfaces and toys and ensuring your entire family washes their hands frequently.
Diagnosis of Bronchiolitis
Riley at IU Health doctors can often diagnose bronchiolitis with simple tests, including:
- Medical History. Doctors will need to know more about your child’s symptoms as well as if he or she has any known medical conditions.
- Physical Exam. Your child's doctor will listen to your child’s lungs, take his or her temperature and examine his or her throat as part of a thorough physical exam. In many cases, the medical history and physical exam will provide the doctor with enough information to make a diagnosis.
- Blood test. If your child seems to have a severe case of bronchiolitis, the doctor may take a blood sample to test for blood oxygen levels. This test is used when children have severe difficulty breathing and may need hospitalization.
Treatments
Treatments
Because bronchiolitis is caused by a virus, no one treatment can get rid of the infection. Many children can be treated at home for bronchiolitis. If your child has a severe case of bronchiolitis, he or she will receive supportive care in the hospital. Supportive care may include:
- Respiratory support. If your child has low blood oxygen levels, he or she may receive supplemental oxygen through a mask or tube in the nose or a positive airway pressure machine. In extreme circumstances, your child may need intubation (a tube inserted into the throat and a machine help your child breathe). Children who need high levels of respiratory support may be cared for in the intensive care unit (ICU).
- Intravenous (IV) fluids. Some children may not be able to eat or drink well when they have bronchiolitis. They may receive fluids through an IV to ensure they do not become dehydrated.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
- Bronchiolitis is a respiratory infection in the smallest branches of the lungs (called bronchioles) that is caused by a viral infection.
- The most common symptoms of bronchiolitis include runny nose, cough, fever and wheezing.
- Doctors most often diagnose bronchiolitis by reviewing your child's medical history and conducting a physical exam.
- Because bronchiolitis is caused by a virus, no one treatment can get rid of the infection. Many children can be treated at home, but severe cases require supportive care in the hospital.
Support Services & Resources
Support Services & Resources
Learn more about bronchiolitis at the trusted websites below:
We offer a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.
This website explains the signs, symptoms and causes of bronchiolitis.
This U.S. National Library of Medicine website offers comprehensive information about bronchiolitis.