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Childhood illness guide

Bronchiolitis

A common chest infection in babies, usually caused by RSV

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By Clever Mum Parenting · Parenting guides

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What is bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection that affects babies and children under 2, usually caused by a viral infection (most often RSV).

What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis?

  • Early, cold-like symptoms: sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, a slightly high temperature
  • Progressing to: a cough, breathing more quickly, difficulty feeding or eating, noisy breathing (wheezing or crackling sounds), becoming irritable

How long does bronchiolitis last?

Symptoms are usually worst between days 3 and 5, and the cough usually gets better within 3 weeks.

What helps bronchiolitis at home?

  • Give children's paracetamol or ibuprofen if your child is distressed or uncomfortable
  • Keep your child upright as much as possible when they're awake, to help them breathe more easily
  • Check on them regularly, including during the night
  • Encourage fluids — give babies smaller feeds more often
  • Don't smoke around your child, and don't sponge them with cool water or remove clothing to try to lower a temperature
  • Never give aspirin to a child under 16

When should you see a GP?

  • Your child's cold is getting worse
  • Your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
  • Your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or shows other signs of dehydration
  • Your baby is under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C, or older with a temperature of 39°C or higher
  • Your baby feels hotter than usual on their back or chest, or feels sweaty
  • Your child has a very high or low temperature, or is shivering
  • Your child is very tired, irritable or not themselves
  • You're worried about your child

Call 999 if your child:

  • Is having difficulty breathing — you may notice grunting noises, their tummy sucking in under the ribs, or fast breathing
  • Has pauses when they breathe
  • Has blue or grey skin, tongue or lips (this may look different on brown or black skin)
  • Is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

Is bronchiolitis contagious, and can my child go to nursery or school?

The NHS doesn't give a specific stay-off-nursery period for bronchiolitis — keep your child home while they're unwell, and be aware RSV spreads easily to other babies.

UKHSA guidance: Bronchiolitis is usually caused by RSV. UKHSA’s guidance for RSV and other respiratory infections is to stay away from the setting if there are more than mild symptoms, for example a high temperature.

Babies with bronchiolitis often need a few days at home to feed and rest. Get urgent help if breathing becomes hard work or feeding drops, whatever the attendance rules say.

Source: UKHSA exclusion periods for children’s settings (England), checked 25 September 2026. Your nursery or school may have its own policy.

Can a vaccine help prevent bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is usually caused by RSV. The NHS offers an RSV vaccine in pregnancy from 28 weeks, which helps protect babies in their first months. See the NHS vaccination schedule.

Bronchiolitis: common questions

What is bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection that affects babies and children under 2, usually caused by a viral infection (most often RSV). Symptoms are usually worst between days 3 and 5, and the cough usually gets better within 3 weeks. This is general information, not a diagnosis — see a GP or call NHS 111 if you're unsure.

What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis?

Common symptoms include: early, cold-like symptoms: sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, a slightly high temperature; and progressing to: a cough, breathing more quickly, difficulty feeding or eating, noisy breathing (wheezing or crackling sounds), becoming irritable.

When should I call 999 for bronchiolitis?

Call 999 if your child: is having difficulty breathing — you may notice grunting noises, their tummy sucking in under the ribs, or fast breathing; has pauses when they breathe; has blue or grey skin, tongue or lips (this may look different on brown or black skin); and is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.

Can my child go to nursery or school with bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is usually caused by RSV. UKHSA’s guidance for RSV and other respiratory infections is to stay away from the setting if there are more than mild symptoms, for example a high temperature. Babies with bronchiolitis often need a few days at home to feed and rest. Get urgent help if breathing becomes hard work or feeding drops, whatever the attendance rules say.

Sources & further reading

This is general information sourced from NHS.uk, not medical advice or a diagnostic tool. Every child is different — if you're at all worried, contact your GP, call NHS 111, or in an emergency call 999. Last updated 25 September 2026.