It was a brisk, sunny morning, and I decided to take a walk in the nearby park to soak in the crisp winter air. The park was peaceful, with the golden leaves rustling underfoot and a few families scattered around. As I walked down the path, I noticed Ava sitting on a bench with her little girl, Ella, nestled in a stroller. Ava looked drained, her face filled with concern while she rocked the stroller gently.
“Hey, Ava!” I called out as I approached her.
She looked up, and her eyes instantly softened when she recognized me. “Oh, Dr. Priya, I’m so glad to see you here,” she said, her voice betraying a mix of exhaustion and relief. “Ella’s been unwell, and I’m feeling a bit lost.”
I nodded, sliding onto the bench beside her, the crisp air swirling around us. Ella, wrapped in a warm blanket, looked a bit flushed, her tiny chest rising and falling faster than usual.
“Tell me what’s going on,” I said, giving Ava a warm smile.
What Is Bronchiolitis?
“Ella’s been coughing for a few days now,” Ava started, rubbing her forehead. “She started with a runny nose, and then it turned into this awful wheezing. I went to see her pediatrician, and they said it might be bronchiolitis. I’m scared, Priya—I don’t even know what that means.”
I leaned over slightly, taking a closer look at Ella. “I know it’s so stressful when they’re this little and unwell, Ava. But let me explain a bit about what bronchiolitis is, so you can understand what’s happening with Ella.”
“Bronchiolitis is a lung infection that affects the smallest airways, called bronchioles. It’s very common in babies under a year old, especially in the winter months. Usually, it’s caused by a virus—respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is the most common one,” I explained. “The virus makes these little airways swell up and fill with mucus, which makes it harder for Ella to breathe.”
Ava looked at Ella, her eyes softening. “So, it’s kind of like a chest cold?”
“That’s right,” I said. “It usually starts just like a common cold—runny nose, a mild cough, maybe some congestion. But as it progresses, the cough gets worse, and the tiny airways in her lungs get inflamed, which is why you’re hearing that wheezing noise.”
The Symptoms of Bronchiolitis
Ava sighed deeply, “She just looked so miserable last night, and I noticed her ribs were showing more when she breathed. I’m really worried, Priya.”
“That’s called retractions,” I explained, trying to keep my tone calm and reassuring. “It’s one of the things we watch for with bronchiolitis, because it shows that Ella’s having to work hard to breathe. It’s like her little body is trying to get as much air as possible. Sometimes, babies can also start looking a bit blue around their lips if they’re not getting enough oxygen.”
Ava’s face turned pale, her eyes widening. “What should I do if that happens?”
“If you ever notice her turning blue, Ava, or if she seems really weak or stops drinking, I want you to take her to the hospital right away,” I said, holding her gaze so she knew how serious it was. “But it sounds like you’re already keeping a close eye on her, and that’s good. You’re doing the right things.”
What Causes Bronchiolitis?
“I just don’t get it,” Ava said, shaking her head slightly. “I’ve kept her away from anyone with a cold. How did she get this?”
I nodded sympathetically. “I know, it feels unfair sometimes. Bronchiolitis is really common in winter, and babies are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. It’s spread through tiny droplets in the air—someone could have sneezed or coughed nearby. Even surfaces that aren’t clean can pass the virus on. It’s almost impossible to avoid every germ, no matter how careful you are.”
Caring for Ella at Home
Ava looked down at Ella, who had started to stir, her tiny hand gripping the edge of her blanket. “So, what do I do now, Priya? How do I help her?”
“You’re already doing so much, Ava, but let me break it down for you,” I said.
1. Keep Her Comfortable and Rested
“First, make sure she gets lots of rest. I know it’s hard, but keeping her calm and comfortable is really important. When she sleeps, try to keep her upright, either in your arms or propped up a bit in her crib—gravity helps keep her airways clearer.”
Ava nodded, a hint of a smile appearing. “She’s actually been sleeping on me like this, sitting upright. It makes her more comfortable.”
“That’s perfect,” I assured her. “It’s exactly what she needs.”
2. Stay Hydrated
“Next, make sure she’s getting enough fluids. Babies can get dehydrated easily when they’re unwell. If she’s breastfeeding, keep offering the breast, even if she only takes small amounts. Little and often is key.”
Ava nodded. “She’s been feeding more, but just for a few minutes at a time.”
“That’s fine, Ava. As long as she’s getting some fluids, she’ll stay hydrated. You can also offer her small amounts of water or an oral rehydration solution if she’s not feeding well.”
3. Humidified Air Helps
“Ava, do you have a humidifier at home?” I asked.
She thought for a moment. “We don’t, but I could get one.”
“That would help a lot,” I said. “The moist air can help loosen up the mucus in her chest. You could also try sitting in the bathroom with the shower running hot to create steam—just be sure Ella’s not too close to the hot water.”
When to Seek Medical Help
“What about her breathing?” Ava asked. “When do I need to worry enough to take her in?”
I took a deep breath. “It’s always best to trust your instincts. If Ella’s breathing gets very fast or if you notice she’s struggling—if you see those retractions getting worse, or if she’s not feeding at all—take her to see a doctor. And like I mentioned before, any sign of her turning blue means you need to seek help immediately.”
Ava nodded, her face showing the weight of her worry. “I’m just scared I won’t know when it’s serious enough.”
“You’re doing everything right, Ava,” I reassured her. “You’re paying attention, and you’re here asking questions. That’s what matters.”
The Journey of Bronchiolitis: How Long Will It Last?
“How long is this going to last?” Ava asked, her voice cracking just a little. “I feel like we’ve already been through so much.”
I gave her an empathetic look. “The worst part of bronchiolitis usually lasts about three to five days, and then she’ll start getting better. The cough can stick around for a few weeks, but she should start feeling more like herself within about a week or ten days. It’s tough, I know. But it will pass.”
Ava looked at Ella and gently stroked her cheek. “I just hate seeing her like this.”
“I know, Ava. But she’s lucky to have you, and with your care, she’ll get through it.”
Emotional Care for You as a Parent
We sat in silence for a while, just watching Ella as she dozed. Then I turned to Ava. “You know, it’s really important to take care of yourself too. You’re doing so much, and it’s easy to burn out.”
Ava smiled, but it was a weary one. “I know. It’s just hard to think about myself when she’s like this.”
“Even just a few moments for yourself—a cup of tea, a quick walk like this one, a shower—can make a huge difference,” I said gently. “And don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s family, friends, or even just asking your partner to take over for a bit, you need to recharge too.”
Understanding and Managing Bronchiolitis
1. How Can I Reduce the Risk of Bronchiolitis for My Baby?
Regular handwashing, keeping Ella away from crowded places during the winter, and keeping her distance from people with cold symptoms can help reduce the risk.
2. Should I Give Ella Antibiotics for Bronchiolitis?
No, antibiotics won’t help because bronchiolitis is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Focus on comfort, hydration, and watching for any severe symptoms.
3. Is Bronchiolitis a One-Time Thing?
It can be, but some infants have recurrences, especially in their first two years, often triggered by other colds or respiratory viruses.
4. When Should I Seek Emergency Care for Bronchiolitis?
Take Ella to the hospital if she shows signs of struggling to breathe, turns blue around the lips, is not feeding well, or appears lethargic.
5. Can I Use a Vaporizer or Humidifier for Ella’s Breathing?
Yes, using a cool-mist humidifier can help keep her airways moist and make breathing easier. Just be sure it’s kept clean to avoid mould.