Key points
- Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection in babies up to 12 months old. It can be caused by a range of viruses.
- Babies with bronchiolitis may have trouble breathing and feeding.
- There is no medicine to make bronchiolitis better. In most cases, babies will get better on their own with rest and more frequent feeds.
- Occasionally, babies with bronchiolitis need help with breathing or feeding in hospital. This is more common in younger babies and those with underlying lung or heart problems.
- Babies are usually sick for seven to 10 days.
- It is important not to smoke or vape around your baby as this can make bronchiolitis worse.
- RSV immunisation for babies and pregnant mothers helps protect young babies from bronchiolitis.
What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a chest infection in babies up to 12 months old. A range of viruses can cause bronchiolitis, but respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most
common.
When a baby has bronchiolitis, the infection causes inflammation and mucus to build up in tiny airways called bronchioles. This makes it harder for them to breathe. Bronchiolitis also makes feeding more difficult.
Signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis usually starts as a cold. Most babies will have a mild cough and a runny or blocked nose. After one or two days, the cough tends to worsen, and it gets harder for them to breathe.
Common symptoms of bronchiolitis include:
- Fast breathing
- Wheezing (sounds like noisy breathing)
- Breathing that is hard work – you may see the ribs or skin under the neck sucking in or nostrils flaring when they breath. Younger babies may bob their heads when breathing.
- Acting unsettled and restless
- Fever (temperature of 38°C or more)
- Sore throat
- Trouble eating and drinking due to shortness of breath, sore throat, mucus, and a blocked nose.
Symptoms are usually worst on the second or third day, and your baby may be sick for around seven to 10 days. The cough may continue for up to four weeks.
Bronchiolitis can be more serious in babies who:
- were born prematurely
- are younger than 10 weeks old
- live with chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, chronic neurological conditions, or are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system)
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Is bronchiolitis contagious?
The viruses that cause bronchiolitis are very infectious and transfer easily from one person to another. They spread through droplets when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. These virus droplets get into the air and people breathe them in or
touch surfaces they land on. People are usually most infectious when they have symptoms.
A baby can get bronchiolitis from someone who only has a runny nose or a cough. This is because respiratory viruses often cause a head cold in older children and adults, but a chest infection in babies because their lungs and immune system are more vulnerable.
RSV immunisation to protect babies from bronchiolitis
Immunisation against RSV helps protect young babies from severe bronchiolitis. In early 2025, the Australian Government started a free
program called the ‘RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program,’ which includes vaccination for pregnant women and immunisation for babies. Both products are very effective at preventing babies from needing hospital care with RSV.
Read the program information or visit the Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) website for more information on whether your baby should have an RSV immunisation. If you have questions, it is also a good idea to speak to your doctor.
How to care for bronchiolitis
See a health professional
You should see a doctor or other health professional if you think your baby has bronchiolitis. Most of the time, health professionals can diagnose the condition by examining a patient and reviewing their symptoms. Testing is not usually required.
If your baby is having a lot of trouble breathing or feeding, they may need care in hospital.
Care at home
Most babies with bronchiolitis will recover at home after seeing a doctor.
While there is no medicine to cure bronchiolitis, there are some things you can do to help your baby:
- Feed your baby small amounts more often to stop them getting dehydrated. This works for both breastfeeding and formula feeding.
- Use saline nasal drops or sprays to clear mucus so your baby can feed more comfortably.
- Consider giving your baby paracetamol or ibuprofen if they seem miserable or irritable. This may help them feel better. Never give your baby aspirin.
- Do not let anyone smoke or vape inside your home or around your baby.
- Watch your baby for signs that their breathing is getting worse, or they are not feeding enough. If your baby’s condition worsens or they are under three months and have a fever (temperature of 38°C or more), you should take them to see a health professional.
When to get help
Call an ambulance (000) if:
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- your child is struggling to breathe.
- your child’s breathing is not regular, or they take pauses while breathing.
- your child’s lips look blue.
- your child is hard to wake.
- your child’s skin is pale and sweaty.
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Go to a hospital if:
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- your child cannot feed normally and shows signs of dehydration, such as less wet nappies, cool hands and feet and sunken eyes.
- your child goes blue in the face when they cough.
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See a doctor or health professional if:
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- your baby is under three months old and has a fever (temperature of 38°C or more).
- your child is breathing fast while resting.
- your child is feeding less than half their normal amount.
- your child seems very tired or more sleepy than usual.
- your child was born prematurely.
- your child is under 10 weeks old.
- your child has a chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, chronic neurological condition or a weakened immune system (immunocompromised).
- your child is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
- your child is still sick after seven days.
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Look after your child at home if:
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- they are breathing normally, or a little faster than normal, but still seem comfortable.
- they are feeding enough (more than half their normal amount).
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Common questions about bronchiolitis
What is the difference between bronchiolitis and bronchitis?
Bronchi and bronchioles are tubes in the lungs – the bronchi are larger tubes, and the bronchioles are smaller tubes. Bronchiolitis affects the bronchioles and is more common in children under 12 months of age. The most common symptom is wheezing.
Bronchitis affects the bronchi and is more common in older children and adults. It causes mucus and a cough, but no wheeze.
Can I give my baby pain relief if they have bronchiolitis?
Yes, many babies get a fever with bronchiolitis and may feel miserable. You may give your baby paracetamol, or ibuprofen if they are older than three months old and not dehydrated. Never give your baby aspirin.
Does my child need antibiotics or other medicine for bronchiolitis?
Viruses cause bronchiolitis, so antibiotics will not help. Cough mixtures and asthma medicine also do not help bronchiolitis.
If my baby gets bronchiolitis, are they more likely to get asthma?
Some studies have linked some types of bronchiolitis with asthma development later in life. However, there are many potential explanations for this, including exposure to triggers like cigarette smoke or if sensitive airways run in the family.
This is a question that researchers are still looking into.
How long does bronchiolitis usually last?
Usually, babies with bronchiolitis improve after seven days, but the cough can last up to a month.
How long should my child stay home from childcare with bronchiolitis?
Your child can return to childcare when they are feeling better and do not have a fever.
Can bronchiolitis lead to pneumonia?
It is rare for bronchiolitis to turn into pneumonia. If this happens, your baby’s breathing, feeding and fever are likely to get much worse. Speak with a doctor if you are worried about changes in your baby’s condition.
For more information
Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital Emergency department, with input from the Respiratory and General Medicine departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Reviewed July 2025
Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.