Bronchiolitis Specialists in Telangana
Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection in infants and young children that causes inflammation and congestion in the smallest airways of the lungs, know…
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What is Bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection in infants and young children that causes inflammation and congestion in the smallest airways of the lungs, known as bronchioles, most often caused by respiratory syncytial virus. It typically begins with mild cold-like symptoms that progress over a few days to more pronounced breathing difficulty, wheezing, and rapid breathing as the swollen airways make it harder for air to move in and out of the lungs. While most cases are mild and resolve with supportive home care, infants under six months and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of more severe illness requiring hospitalization.
Moderate
Very common — one of the most frequent reasons for hospitalization in infants under one year
Yes
Causes of Bronchiolitis
Most commonly caused by respiratory syncytial virus, though other viruses such as rhinovirus, influenza, and human metapneumovirus can also cause bronchiolitis. It spreads through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces, and is particularly common during fall and winter months. Risk factors for severe illness include prematurity, young age under three months, underlying heart or lung conditions, and exposure to secondhand smoke.
Symptoms of Bronchiolitis
Runny or congested nose, mild fever, cough that may worsen over several days, wheezing, rapid or labored breathing, flaring of the nostrils or visible chest retractions with breathing, difficulty feeding due to breathing difficulty, irritability, in severe cases, bluish discoloration of the lips or skin
Treatment & Types of Bronchiolitis in Telangana
Most cases are managed with supportive care at home, including keeping the child hydrated, using saline nasal drops and gentle suction to relieve nasal congestion, and monitoring breathing closely. Fever can be managed with appropriate fever-reducing medication. More severe cases with significant breathing difficulty or poor feeding may require hospitalization for supplemental oxygen, intravenous fluids, and closer monitoring, though antibiotics are not effective since the cause is viral.
Bronchiolitis severity is generally classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the degree of respiratory distress, oxygen levels, and feeding difficulty, which determines whether a child can be managed with supportive home care or needs hospitalization for oxygen and fluid support.
Pediatrics Specialists in Telangana (0)
No specialists listed yet in Telangana — browse all doctors instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do antibiotics help treat bronchiolitis?
No, bronchiolitis is almost always caused by a virus, so antibiotics aren't effective and aren't used unless a separate bacterial infection is also present.
When should I take my baby to the hospital?
Seek urgent care if your baby has significant difficulty breathing, visible chest retractions, bluish lips or skin, or is struggling to feed.
Is RSV the only virus that causes this?
No, while respiratory syncytial virus is the most common cause, other viruses like rhinovirus and influenza can also cause bronchiolitis.
Which babies are at higher risk of severe illness?
Infants under six months, especially those born prematurely or with underlying heart or lung conditions, are at higher risk of needing hospitalization.
How long does bronchiolitis usually last?
Symptoms often peak around day three to five of illness and then gradually improve over one to two weeks, though a cough can linger longer.