{"id":3997,"date":"2025-12-23T14:20:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T13:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drarebeccaordovas.com\/?p=3997"},"modified":"2025-12-23T15:37:18","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T14:37:18","slug":"bronchiolitis-in-babies-a-guide-for-parents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drarebeccaordovas.com\/en\/bronchiolitis-in-babies-a-guide-for-parents\/","title":{"rendered":"Bronchiolitis in babies: a guide for parents"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Dr. Francisco Javier Recio Valcarce<\/em><\/p>\n<p>As a home-visit pediatrician, I understand how distressing it can be to see your baby with respiratory symptoms. Below, I offer a clear and comprehensive explanation of what bronchiolitis is, how to recognize it, what care you can provide at home, and when it is essential to seek medical attention. This guide is intended for parents looking for reliable information.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">\u00edndice de contenidos<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/drarebeccaordovas.com\/en\/bronchiolitis-in-babies-a-guide-for-parents\/#What_is_bronchiolitis\" >What is bronchiolitis?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/drarebeccaordovas.com\/en\/bronchiolitis-in-babies-a-guide-for-parents\/#What_symptoms_does_bronchiolitis_cause\" >What symptoms does bronchiolitis cause?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/drarebeccaordovas.com\/en\/bronchiolitis-in-babies-a-guide-for-parents\/#Why_does_bronchiolitis_occur_and_who_is_most_at_risk\" >Why does bronchiolitis occur and who is most at risk?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/drarebeccaordovas.com\/en\/bronchiolitis-in-babies-a-guide-for-parents\/#Home_care_for_bronchiolitis\" >Home care for bronchiolitis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/drarebeccaordovas.com\/en\/bronchiolitis-in-babies-a-guide-for-parents\/#When_should_you_seek_help_from_a_pediatric_pulmonologist_for_bronchiolitis\" >When should you seek help from a pediatric pulmonologist for bronchiolitis?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_bronchiolitis\"><\/span>What is bronchiolitis?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"126\" data-end=\"273\">Bronchiolitis is a <strong data-start=\"145\" data-end=\"185\">viral infection of the lower airways<\/strong> that mainly affects babies under 2 years of age, especially between <strong data-start=\"254\" data-end=\"272\">2 and 6 months<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"275\" data-end=\"409\">The most common cause is the <strong data-start=\"304\" data-end=\"341\">Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)<\/strong>, although other common respiratory viruses can also be responsible.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"411\" data-end=\"580\">The infection causes <strong data-start=\"432\" data-end=\"490\">inflammation, swelling, and increased mucus production<\/strong> in the bronchioles (the smallest airways in the lungs), making it harder for air to flow.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"582\" data-end=\"720\">Bronchiolitis usually occurs during the <strong data-start=\"622\" data-end=\"650\">autumn and winter months<\/strong> (in the Northern Hemisphere) or during the <strong data-start=\"694\" data-end=\"719\">cold and rainy season<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"582\" data-end=\"720\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-3995 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/drarebeccaordovas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bronquiolitis-que-es.jpg\" alt=\"qu\u00e9 es la bronquiolitis, explicaci\u00f3n gr\u00e1fica\" width=\"773\" height=\"515\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2 data-start=\"582\" data-end=\"720\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_symptoms_does_bronchiolitis_cause\"><\/span>What symptoms does bronchiolitis cause?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"155\" data-end=\"308\">Parents may notice several signs that suggest bronchiolitis may be developing. It is important to watch for both <strong data-start=\"268\" data-end=\"285\">mild symptoms<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"290\" data-end=\"307\">warning signs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"310\" data-end=\"476\">Bronchiolitis often begins with symptoms similar to a common cold. Paying attention to these early signs is crucial, as they can progress to a more serious condition.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"478\" data-end=\"1328\">\n<li data-start=\"478\" data-end=\"688\">\n<p data-start=\"480\" data-end=\"688\"><strong data-start=\"480\" data-end=\"515\">Runny nose and nasal discharge:<\/strong> One of the first signs is usually a clear nasal discharge, which may become thicker and greenish over time. Constant runny nose indicates congestion of the upper airways.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"689\" data-end=\"912\">\n<p data-start=\"691\" data-end=\"912\"><strong data-start=\"691\" data-end=\"725\">Sneezing and nasal congestion:<\/strong> Frequent sneezing is an attempt to clear the nasal passages, while congestion makes breathing difficult\u2014especially in babies who cannot blow their nose. This may cause noisy breathing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"913\" data-end=\"1081\">\n<p data-start=\"915\" data-end=\"1081\"><strong data-start=\"915\" data-end=\"930\">Mild cough:<\/strong> At first, the cough may be dry and occasional. As the illness progresses, it often becomes wetter, more persistent, and may be accompanied by mucus.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1082\" data-end=\"1328\">\n<p data-start=\"1084\" data-end=\"1328\"><strong data-start=\"1084\" data-end=\"1104\">Low-grade fever:<\/strong> High fever is not always present. Many babies with bronchiolitis have only a low-grade fever (usually between 37.5 \u00b0C and 38 \u00b0C), and some may have no fever at all. The absence of high fever does not rule out the infection.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1390\">Other symptoms that may help identify bronchiolitis include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1392\" data-end=\"1873\">\n<li data-start=\"1392\" data-end=\"1647\">\n<p data-start=\"1394\" data-end=\"1647\"><strong data-start=\"1394\" data-end=\"1437\">Reduced appetite or difficulty feeding:<\/strong> Nasal congestion and breathing difficulty can interfere with feeding, as babies struggle to coordinate sucking and breathing. This may result in shorter feeds, irritability during feeding, or refusal to eat.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1648\" data-end=\"1742\">\n<p data-start=\"1650\" data-end=\"1742\"><strong data-start=\"1650\" data-end=\"1667\">Irritability:<\/strong> Infants may appear more irritable or restless due to general discomfort.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"1873\">\n<p data-start=\"1745\" data-end=\"1873\"><strong data-start=\"1745\" data-end=\"1775\">Changes in sleep patterns:<\/strong> Breathing difficulties and coughing can disrupt sleep, making the baby more tired during the day.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"2072\">It is essential to monitor how these symptoms evolve and seek medical advice if they worsen or if signs of breathing difficulty appear, such as rapid breathing, nasal flaring, or chest retractions.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2129\" data-end=\"2329\">After 2\u20134 days, bronchiolitis may progress in some babies and begin to affect the <strong data-start=\"2211\" data-end=\"2226\">bronchioles<\/strong>, the smallest airways in the lungs. This progression can cause symptoms that require closer attention:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2331\" data-end=\"3242\">\n<li data-start=\"2331\" data-end=\"2489\">\n<p data-start=\"2333\" data-end=\"2489\"><strong data-start=\"2333\" data-end=\"2368\">Increased cough and congestion:<\/strong> The cough becomes more intense and persistent, and nasal and chest congestion worsen, making breathing more difficult.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2490\" data-end=\"2648\">\n<p data-start=\"2492\" data-end=\"2648\"><strong data-start=\"2492\" data-end=\"2505\">Wheezing:<\/strong> A characteristic whistling sound may be heard when the baby breathes, especially when exhaling. Wheezing indicates narrowing of the airways.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2649\" data-end=\"2862\">\n<p data-start=\"2651\" data-end=\"2862\"><strong data-start=\"2651\" data-end=\"2676\">Breathing difficulty:<\/strong> Breathing becomes faster and more labored. You may notice chest retractions, where the ribs or the area below the chest sink in during inhalation, showing increased effort to breathe.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2863\" data-end=\"2985\">\n<p data-start=\"2865\" data-end=\"2985\"><strong data-start=\"2865\" data-end=\"2883\">Nasal flaring:<\/strong> The baby\u2019s nostrils widen noticeably while breathing, an unconscious effort to take in more oxygen.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2986\" data-end=\"3242\">\n<p data-start=\"2988\" data-end=\"3242\"><strong data-start=\"2988\" data-end=\"3044\">Poor feeding tolerance, sleepiness, or irritability:<\/strong> The increased effort of breathing can tire the baby quickly during feeds, leading to reduced intake. The baby may appear unusually sleepy and apathetic, or conversely, more irritable and unsettled.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3244\" data-end=\"3410\">Being alert to these signs is important, as they may indicate disease progression and the need for medical evaluation to ensure proper care and the baby\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3474\" data-end=\"3577\">You should seek <strong data-start=\"3490\" data-end=\"3521\">immediate medical attention<\/strong> if your child shows any of the following warning signs:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3579\" data-end=\"4801\">\n<li data-start=\"3579\" data-end=\"3692\">\n<p data-start=\"3581\" data-end=\"3692\"><strong data-start=\"3581\" data-end=\"3630\">Bluish skin, lips, or fingernails (cyanosis):<\/strong> This indicates a lack of oxygen and is a medical emergency.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3693\" data-end=\"4145\">\n<p data-start=\"3695\" data-end=\"3776\"><strong data-start=\"3695\" data-end=\"3774\">Breathing pauses (apnea), very rapid breathing, or severe breathing effort:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3779\" data-end=\"4145\">\n<li data-start=\"3779\" data-end=\"3843\">\n<p data-start=\"3781\" data-end=\"3843\"><strong data-start=\"3781\" data-end=\"3791\">Apnea:<\/strong> Any prolonged pause in breathing is an emergency.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3846\" data-end=\"3964\">\n<p data-start=\"3848\" data-end=\"3964\"><strong data-start=\"3848\" data-end=\"3885\">Very rapid breathing (tachypnea):<\/strong> Especially if accompanied by other symptoms, it may signal poor oxygenation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3967\" data-end=\"4145\">\n<p data-start=\"3969\" data-end=\"4145\"><strong data-start=\"3969\" data-end=\"3997\">Severe breathing effort:<\/strong> Use of neck or chest muscles, visible retractions between the ribs, nasal flaring, or grunting sounds suggest the child is struggling to breathe.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4146\" data-end=\"4338\">\n<p data-start=\"4148\" data-end=\"4338\"><strong data-start=\"4148\" data-end=\"4207\">Very low fluid intake or few wet diapers (dehydration):<\/strong> Signs include minimal drinking, fewer wet diapers than usual, lethargy, dry mouth, absence of tears when crying, or sunken eyes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4339\" data-end=\"4801\">\n<p data-start=\"4341\" data-end=\"4408\"><strong data-start=\"4341\" data-end=\"4406\">Complete refusal to feed, lethargy, or progressive worsening:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4411\" data-end=\"4801\">\n<li data-start=\"4411\" data-end=\"4491\">\n<p data-start=\"4413\" data-end=\"4491\"><strong data-start=\"4413\" data-end=\"4449\">Complete refusal to eat or drink<\/strong> for a significant period is concerning.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4494\" data-end=\"4594\">\n<p data-start=\"4496\" data-end=\"4594\"><strong data-start=\"4496\" data-end=\"4509\">Lethargy:<\/strong> The child appears unusually sleepy, apathetic, low in energy, and less responsive.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4597\" data-end=\"4801\">\n<p data-start=\"4599\" data-end=\"4801\"><strong data-start=\"4599\" data-end=\"4625\">Progressive worsening:<\/strong> If the child\u2019s condition does not improve or continues to deteriorate\u2014such as increasing fever, worsening breathing, or new concerning symptoms\u2014medical attention is essential.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4803\" data-end=\"4958\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">If any of these signs appear, <strong data-start=\"4833\" data-end=\"4880\">do not hesitate to seek urgent medical care<\/strong>. Early detection and prompt treatment can be crucial for your child\u2019s health.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"4803\" data-end=\"4958\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3996\" src=\"https:\/\/drarebeccaordovas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bronquiolitis.jpg\" alt=\"Pediatra a domicilio en Madrid ausculta a un beb\u00e9 con bronquiolitis\" width=\"379\" height=\"396\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3417\" data-end=\"3472\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_bronchiolitis_occur_and_who_is_most_at_risk\"><\/span>Why does bronchiolitis occur and who is most at risk?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"169\" data-end=\"618\">Babies are especially vulnerable to respiratory illnesses such as bronchiolitis. Their airways are <strong data-start=\"268\" data-end=\"292\">smaller and narrower<\/strong> than those of adults, which means that inflammation or mucus buildup can block them more easily, making breathing significantly more difficult. In addition, their <strong data-start=\"456\" data-end=\"491\">immune system is still immature<\/strong>, limiting their ability to effectively fight viruses and bacteria. As a result, infections can be more severe and last longer.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"620\" data-end=\"702\">Several factors increase the risk of bronchiolitis becoming more severe in a baby:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"704\" data-end=\"1579\">\n<li data-start=\"704\" data-end=\"973\">\n<p data-start=\"706\" data-end=\"973\"><strong data-start=\"706\" data-end=\"725\">Very young age:<\/strong> Babies under <strong data-start=\"739\" data-end=\"756\">3 to 6 months<\/strong> are the most vulnerable to serious complications. At this stage, their lungs are still developing and their immune system is particularly immature, making it harder for them to cope with the infection on their own.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"974\" data-end=\"1177\">\n<p data-start=\"976\" data-end=\"1177\"><strong data-start=\"976\" data-end=\"992\">Prematurity:<\/strong> Babies born prematurely have underdeveloped lungs and a weaker immune system, placing them at a significantly higher risk of severe bronchiolitis and other respiratory complications.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1178\" data-end=\"1579\">\n<p data-start=\"1180\" data-end=\"1579\"><strong data-start=\"1180\" data-end=\"1214\">Underlying medical conditions:<\/strong> Babies with pre-existing conditions such as <strong data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1287\">congenital heart disease<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"1289\" data-end=\"1313\">chronic lung disease<\/strong> (such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia), or a <strong data-start=\"1357\" data-end=\"1383\">weakened immune system<\/strong> (due to medical treatments or genetic conditions) have a reduced ability to fight infection. In these cases, bronchiolitis can worsen their underlying condition and lead to more serious outcomes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1581\" data-end=\"1712\">In addition to biological factors, a baby\u2019s <strong data-start=\"1625\" data-end=\"1640\">environment<\/strong> also plays an important role in the risk and severity of bronchiolitis:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1714\" data-end=\"2457\">\n<li data-start=\"1714\" data-end=\"2000\">\n<p data-start=\"1716\" data-end=\"2000\"><strong data-start=\"1716\" data-end=\"1746\">Exposure to tobacco smoke:<\/strong> Secondhand smoke weakens a baby\u2019s airways, making them more prone to respiratory infections and increasing the severity of bronchiolitis. Toxins in tobacco smoke irritate the lungs and impair ciliary function, which helps clear germs from the airways.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2001\" data-end=\"2196\">\n<p data-start=\"2003\" data-end=\"2196\"><strong data-start=\"2003\" data-end=\"2033\">Crowded living conditions:<\/strong> Living in crowded environments increases the likelihood of respiratory virus transmission, as babies are in closer contact with people who may carry infections.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2197\" data-end=\"2457\">\n<p data-start=\"2199\" data-end=\"2457\"><strong data-start=\"2199\" data-end=\"2238\">Daycare settings with poor hygiene:<\/strong> Environments without strict hygiene measures make it easier for germs to spread. Infrequent handwashing and inadequate surface disinfection can contribute to outbreaks of respiratory illnesses, including bronchiolitis.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2459\" data-end=\"2778\">Parents and caregivers should remain alert to the symptoms of bronchiolitis and seek medical attention if a baby shows signs of <strong data-start=\"2587\" data-end=\"2611\">breathing difficulty<\/strong>, such as rapid breathing, wheezing, chest retractions (skin pulling in between the ribs or under the breastbone during breathing), or a bluish color around the mouth.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2780\" data-end=\"3050\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><strong data-start=\"2780\" data-end=\"2794\">Prevention<\/strong> is key and includes good hand hygiene, avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke, and in some cases <strong data-start=\"2888\" data-end=\"2927\">vaccination or preventive treatment<\/strong> (such as protection against respiratory syncytial virus for high-risk infants) to help protect this vulnerable population.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2780\" data-end=\"3050\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Home_care_for_bronchiolitis\"><\/span>Home care for bronchiolitis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"161\" data-end=\"461\">It is not always necessary to see a healthcare professional when bronchiolitis is mild, although with babies it is understandable to want medical advice. As a home-visit pediatric pulmonologist, these are the main measures I recommend to parents when bronchiolitis is mild and can be managed at home:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"463\" data-end=\"1143\">\n<li data-start=\"463\" data-end=\"587\">\n<p data-start=\"465\" data-end=\"587\"><strong data-start=\"465\" data-end=\"493\">Maintain good hydration:<\/strong> offer feeds more frequently but in smaller amounts if the baby becomes tired while feeding.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"588\" data-end=\"683\">\n<p data-start=\"590\" data-end=\"683\"><strong data-start=\"590\" data-end=\"612\">Clear the airways:<\/strong> nasal saline washes help reduce congestion, especially before feeds.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"684\" data-end=\"783\">\n<p data-start=\"686\" data-end=\"783\"><strong data-start=\"686\" data-end=\"715\">Humidify the environment:<\/strong> using a cool-mist humidifier can help relieve mucus and coughing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"784\" data-end=\"913\">\n<p data-start=\"786\" data-end=\"913\"><strong data-start=\"786\" data-end=\"827\">Monitor feeding and behavior changes:<\/strong> be alert if the baby tires easily during feeds or has fewer wet diapers than usual.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"914\" data-end=\"1088\">\n<p data-start=\"916\" data-end=\"1088\"><strong data-start=\"916\" data-end=\"964\">Manage fever or discomfort with antipyretics<\/strong> (only as advised by the pediatrician), in babies who are above the minimum recommended age and have no contraindications.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1089\" data-end=\"1143\">\n<p data-start=\"1091\" data-end=\"1143\"><strong data-start=\"1091\" data-end=\"1143\">Avoid tobacco smoke and ensure good ventilation.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1145\" data-end=\"1367\">Many parents ask about using <strong data-start=\"1174\" data-end=\"1190\">cough syrups<\/strong> or <strong data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1225\">antibiotics \u201cjust in case.\u201d<\/strong> In bronchiolitis, antibiotics are <strong data-start=\"1260\" data-end=\"1289\">not routinely recommended<\/strong>, nor are most specific drug treatments, unless clearly indicated by a doctor.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1145\" data-end=\"1367\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_should_you_seek_help_from_a_pediatric_pulmonologist_for_bronchiolitis\"><\/span>When should you seek help from a pediatric pulmonologist for bronchiolitis?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"207\" data-end=\"389\">You should seek <strong data-start=\"223\" data-end=\"254\">immediate medical attention<\/strong> or go to the emergency department if you notice <strong data-start=\"303\" data-end=\"333\">any of the following signs<\/strong>, as they may indicate a serious condition in your baby:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"391\" data-end=\"1582\">\n<li data-start=\"391\" data-end=\"666\">\n<p data-start=\"393\" data-end=\"666\"><strong data-start=\"393\" data-end=\"425\">Severe breathing difficulty:<\/strong> Pay close attention to signs such as marked chest retractions (deep pulling in between the ribs and below the chest with each breath) or very fast, shallow breathing. These indicate that the baby is making a significant effort to breathe.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"667\" data-end=\"863\">\n<p data-start=\"669\" data-end=\"863\"><strong data-start=\"669\" data-end=\"695\">Changes in skin color:<\/strong> If the baby\u2019s lips or fingernails turn bluish or grayish, this is a sign of <strong data-start=\"772\" data-end=\"784\">cyanosis<\/strong>, meaning the baby is not getting enough oxygen. This is a medical emergency.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"864\" data-end=\"1096\">\n<p data-start=\"866\" data-end=\"1096\"><strong data-start=\"866\" data-end=\"921\">Feeding difficulties or altered level of alertness:<\/strong> If the baby cannot tolerate feeds, drinks very small amounts of milk, or is unusually sleepy and difficult to wake, this may indicate dehydration or a more serious illness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1097\" data-end=\"1271\">\n<p data-start=\"1099\" data-end=\"1271\"><strong data-start=\"1099\" data-end=\"1124\">Signs of dehydration:<\/strong> The number of wet diapers is a key indicator of hydration. Very few wet diapers over a 24-hour period is a warning sign of possible dehydration.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1272\" data-end=\"1400\">\n<p data-start=\"1274\" data-end=\"1400\"><strong data-start=\"1274\" data-end=\"1284\">Apnea:<\/strong> Any pauses in breathing (apnea), especially if they are prolonged or recurrent, require urgent medical attention.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1401\" data-end=\"1582\">\n<p data-start=\"1403\" data-end=\"1582\"><strong data-start=\"1403\" data-end=\"1443\">Worsening condition or new symptoms:<\/strong> If the baby\u2019s overall condition worsens instead of improving, or if new and concerning symptoms appear, a medical evaluation is essential.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1584\" data-end=\"1906\">These situations are particularly concerning and require <strong data-start=\"1641\" data-end=\"1675\">specialized medical assessment<\/strong>. Early intervention is crucial, as the baby may need treatments such as <strong data-start=\"1748\" data-end=\"1771\">supplemental oxygen<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"1773\" data-end=\"1795\">intravenous fluids<\/strong> to correct dehydration, or even <strong data-start=\"1828\" data-end=\"1852\">hospital observation<\/strong> for continuous monitoring and appropriate management.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1908\" data-end=\"2066\">Bronchiolitis and other respiratory infections can progress rapidly in infants and young children, making <strong data-start=\"2014\" data-end=\"2065\">close observation and prompt response essential<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dr. Francisco Javier Recio Valcarce As a home-visit pediatrician, I understand how distressing it can be to see your baby with respiratory symptoms. Below, I offer a clear and comprehensive explanation of what bronchiolitis is, how to recognize it, what care you can provide at home, and when it is essential to seek medical attention. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3997","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-physiotherapy-at-home"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bronchiolitis in babies: a guide for parents | Equipo M\u00e9dico Ordov\u00e1s<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/drarebeccaordovas.com\/en\/bronchiolitis-in-babies-a-guide-for-parents\/\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" 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