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Bronchiolitis in children Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, April 2009.

Answers to questions about bronchiolitis in children

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

The GP said my child has bronchiolitis. Why didn't he prescribe antibiotics?

Your GP didn't prescribe antibiotics for your child as they are not effective against infections caused by viruses.

Explanation

Bronchiolitis is usually caused by a virus, most commonly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Antibiotics are given to fight bacterial infections; they are not effective against infections caused by viruses.

Rarely, children may get a bacterial infection in addition to the viral infection causing the bronchiolitis and in these circumstances may be given antibiotics, or they may be given to your child as a precaution.

Sources

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Can older children and adults catch the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

Yes, older child and adults can catch RSV but symptoms are usually milder than in infants.

Explanation

Almost all children will have been infected with RSV by the age of two. However, older children and adults frequently become reinfected with RSV. The symptoms you have will be milder than in young infants. Otherwise healthy older children and adults may get symptoms similar to a common cold. Symptoms can be more severe, however, in older people and in people who have suppressed immune systems (such as if you've had an organ transplant or are receiving certain cancer treatments).

Sources

  • Kasper et al. Principles of internal medicine. 16th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005
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How do I know if my baby is dehydrated?

There are a number of ways to detect whether your baby is dehydrated. For example, dark coloured urine or a dry nappy for three hours or more, are signs to look out for.

Explanation

If your baby has become dehydrated he or she may:

  • not urinate (has a dry nappy) for three hours or more
  • have urine that is a darker colour than it normally is
  • develop a sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on the top of the head)
  • have sunken eyes
  • be pale
  • become irritable

If there are any signs at all that your child may be dehydrated, you should seek medical advice immediately.

If your child has bronchiolitis, he/she may find it difficult to feed and this can lead to dehydration. If you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby, continue to feed as normal but if he/she is reluctant to be fed, offer him/her more feeds. Feeding him/her little and often can help keep your child hydrated.

Sources

  • Bronchiolitis in children: A national clinical guideline. SIGN. November 2006. www.sign.ac.uk
  • Cooper, C (Dr). The Baby and child questions and answers book. 2nd ed. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2004
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: April 2009

 

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