The baby has bronchiolitis

BRONCHIOLITIS IS a common condition affecting at least a third of babies up to the age of one year. Many parents mistakenly think it is little more than a baby cold but actually a proportion of babies are admitted to hospital with bronchiolitis because of the associated breathing and feeding difficulties.

Bronchiolitis is an infection of the smaller airways deep in the lungs. This reduces the amount of air the baby can take in and causes breathing problems. It is a different condition from bronchitis, but they have a common cause — cold viruses that are still circulating even with the warmer weather.

The virus causing bronchiolitis is called RSV. About a third of babies who contract RSV will go on to develop the full-blown condition, this being most common in babies between the ages of three and six months.

It is also more likely in babies who were premature or who already have existing lung or heart problems. Passive smoking makes it more likely for a baby to develop it.

At the outset it is difficult to tell if a baby has the infection as they get the usual cold symptoms of runny nose, cough and a mild fever. But bronchiolitis goes on within a day or two to cause a rasping cough, accelerated breathing and difficulty in feeding.

Parents may also notice the muscles between the ribs going in as this is a sign it is hard work to breathe. Any of these are signs are enough reason to consult your GP or attend an A&E urgently. For most cases we see in the GP surgery, it is reduced feeding that is the most frequent symptom.

There is actually no treatment for bronchiolitis. Since it is caused by a virus, there is no medication available. Most babies with the condition are looked after at home as long as they are feeding enough to prevent dehydration. Feeding little and often is easier for congested babies, and tilting their cot will help with breathing.

If babies are not feeding enough or having difficulty breathing then hospitalisation is necessary. About three per cent of babies with the infection are admitted to hospital.

Treatment will probably include oxygen therapy if their breathing is poor and tube feeding to prevent dehydration.