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This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If in doubt, contact your paediatrician or midwife.

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Baby Bronchitis

Bronchitis in babies is an inflammation of the lower airways, often accompanied by coughing, mucus production, and laboured breathing. RSV bronchiolitis is particularly dangerous in infants under 6 months. Wheezing sounds are typical and should be evaluated by a doctor.

Possible Causes

  • 1RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) — most common cause of infant bronchiolitis
  • 2Other viruses: rhinovirus, parainfluenza, influenza, adenovirus
  • 3Less commonly bacterial superinfection after viral illness
  • 4Passive smoking significantly increases risk
  • 5Prematurity or congenital heart defects as risk factors

What You Can Do

  • Elevate upper body slightly — makes breathing easier
  • Adequate fluids — frequent breastfeeding or small bottle feeds
  • Saline nose drops and nasal aspirator for blocked nose
  • Humid room air (wet towel over radiator) — dry air irritates bronchi
  • In severe cases: hospital admission with oxygen and monitoring

When to See a Doctor

  • Rapid breathing over 60 breaths per minute in infants
  • Retractions (skin pulls in between ribs with each breath)
  • Nasal flaring — nostrils visibly move with breathing
  • Feeding refusal or baby drinking less than half the usual amount
  • Blue lips or fingernails (cyanosis)
  • Baby appears lethargic, cannot be roused

Age-Specific Notes

RSV bronchiolitis mainly affects babies under 12 months, peaking at 2-6 months. Premature babies (before 37 weeks), babies with heart defects, and immunocompromised children are at highest risk. RSV season is October to March. Since 2023, nirsevimab (monoclonal antibody) is available as passive immunisation for all newborns during RSV season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between bronchitis and bronchiolitis?
Bronchitis affects the larger bronchi, bronchiolitis the smallest branches (bronchioles). In babies, bronchiolitis is more common and dangerous because the tiny airways swell shut quickly. RSV usually causes bronchiolitis, not bronchitis.
When does my baby need hospital for bronchitis?
If your baby breathes rapidly (over 60/min), shows retractions, stops feeding, has blue lips, or becomes lethargic. Babies under 3 months with RSV are often admitted because their condition can deteriorate quickly.
Do antibiotics help with baby bronchitis?
In most cases NO, because bronchitis in babies is almost always caused by viruses. Antibiotics don't work against viruses. Only with confirmed bacterial superinfection (e.g. purulent secretion, high fever for days) are antibiotics useful.

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This article is for general information only. It does not replace individual medical advice. If you have concerns, contact your paediatrician, midwife, or call emergency services.