There are several complications associated with bronchiolitis. These include:

• cyanosis: an ashen (very pale) or blue tinge to the skin that is caused by lack of oxygen
• dehydration: when the normal water content of the body is reduced
• fatigue: extreme tiredness and a lack of energy
• severe respiratory failure: an inability to breathe unaided

If any of these complications occur, it is likely that your child will need hospital treatment. Contact your doctor immediately. In some cases, you may need to call for an ambulance.

See Symptoms of bronchiolitis for more information about severe symptoms and when to call an ambulance.

Death

It is very rare for bronchiolitis to cause death. However, one UK study found that the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) caused around eight deaths in infants under one year of age for every 100,000 people.

Long-term effects of bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis does not usually cause long-term breathing problems. However, it can cause damage to the cells in your child’s airways. This damage can last from three to four months. Around 20% of infants with bronchiolitis remain wheezy or have a persistent cough for a few weeks.

Underlying health conditions

If your child was born with a health problem, such as a heart or lung disease, their bronchiolitis symptoms may come on very rapidly and are more likely to be severe. The infection may also make any symptoms of your child’s underlying health problem worse.

Pneumonia

In rare cases, bronchiolitis can be accompanied by bacterial pneumonia, which infects the lungs. If this happens, the pneumonia will need to be treated separately.

Respiratory conditions in later life

There may be a link between bronchiolitis and developing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, in later life. However, the link is not fully understood. It is not clear whether having bronchiolitis as an infant makes asthma more likely, or whether there are environmental or genetic (inherited) factors that cause both the bronchiolitis and asthma. 

If your child has repeated bouts of bronchiolitis, their risk of developing asthma later in life may be increased.

Preventing bronchiolitis 

The viruses that cause bronchiolitis are very common and easily spread, so preventing the condition altogether is not possible. However, you can take steps to reduce the chances of your child catching a virus. If your child already has bronchiolitis, following these steps will help prevent spreading the virus further:

• Cover your child’s nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze.
• Use disposable tissues rather than cotton handkerchiefs and throw them away as soon as they have been used.
• Wash both your child’s hands and your hands frequently, particularly after touching their nose or mouth or after feeding.
• Ask anyone who comes into contact with your child, such as a relative or nanny, to wash their hands first.
• Wash and dry eating utensils after use.
• Wash or wipe toys and surfaces regularly.
• Keep infected children at home until their symptoms have improved (they are feeding normally and do not have any difficulty breathing).
• Keep newborn babies away from people with colds or flu, particularly during the first two months of life or if they were born prematurely (before week 37 of pregnancy).

High-risk children

In some cases, it may be possible for a child with a high risk of developing severe bronchiolitis to have monthly antibody injections. The injections can help limit the severity of the condition if the child becomes infected.

Children considered to be at high risk include those who:

• were born very prematurely
• were born with a heart or lung condition
• have an immune deficiency (a weakened immune system)

What you can do 

As well as treating your child’s bronchiolitis at home the following tips may help make your child more comfortable.

1.      Humidify the air

If you have access to an air humidifier, using it to moisten the air may help to ease your child’s cough.

Alternatively, run the hot tap of the shower or bath for several minutes to steam up the room, then sit your child in the room for a few minutes. Afterwards, your child’s clothes may need to be changed if they have become damp. Be careful not to scald your child with the hot water or steam.

Your home should be heated to a comfortable temperature, but do not make it too warm as this will dry out the air.

2.      Keep your child upright

Keeping your child in an upright position may help make their breathing easier. This may be useful when they are trying to feed. If your child has a nap in an upright position, make sure that their head does not fall forward by supporting it with something, such as a rolled up blanket.

3.      Saline nasal drops

Saline (salt water) nasal drops are available over-the-counter (OTC) from pharmacies. Placing a couple of drops of saline inside your child’s nose before they feed may help to relieve a blocked nose. However, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions or check with your pharmacist before using saline nasal drops.

4.      Keep a smoke-free environment

Smoke from cigarettes or other tobacco products may aggravate your child’s symptoms. If you smoke, avoid doing so around your child.

Passive smoking can affect the lining of your child’s airways, making them less resistant to infection. Therefore, keeping smoke away from your child may help prevent future episodes of bronchiolitis.

Related posts:

1. Respiratory tract infection — Bronchiolitis
2. Diagnosing and treating bronchiolitis
3. The complications of indigestion disorder