Bronchiolitis in children


Bronchiolitis in children is a condition where the small airways (bronchioles) in the lungs are infected by viruses. Bronchiolitis in children is usually caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, parainfluenza, or rhinovirus. Infants and toddlers under 2 years, especially around 3–6 months are most susceptible to Bronchiolitis. The infection causes inflammation, mucus buildup in the bronchioles, and swelling leading to airway obstruction making it difficult to breathe. Bronchiolitis starts as a cold and then progresses to wheezing, rapid breathing. The child recovers with good supportive care, but some infants, especially premature babies may need hospitalization for oxygen therapy.

For expert pediatric care and Bronchiolitis treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the causes of Bronchiolitis in children?


The viral infections that affect the lower respiratory tract are the most common causes of bronchiolitis in children:-
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is responsible for the majority of cases.
  • Human Rhinovirus is the most common cause in slightly older infants.
  • Parainfluenza Virus causes both bronchiolitis and croup.
  • Influenza Virus both type A and B rarely cause bronchiolitis.
  • Adenovirus causes severe or prolonged illness bronchiolitis in children.
  • Human Metapneumovirus is also common just as RSV.
  • Coronavirus the non–COVID-19 types.

Bronchiolitis in children is most common especially during winter months.

How do viruses spread?

  • The RSV spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes near the child.
  • If the child touches contaminated surfaces like toys, doorknobs, or hands and then touches the nose, mouth, or eyes.
  • The RSV virus can survive for several hours so it can easily spread in daycares, playareas and families.

Why are infants more vulnerable?

  • Infants have small bronchioles, so even minor infection or mucus can block airflow easily.
  • The immune defenses of infants are still developing, so they cannot fight infections effectively.
  • Babies are often held by caregivers, siblings, relatives etc so they are most susceptible to respiratory viruses.
  • Premature infants or those with pre existing medical conditions such as lung disease or heart problems are at a higher risk for severe bronchiolitis.

For expert pediatric care and Bronchiolitis treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the symptoms of Bronchiolitis in children?


The symptoms usually develop over a few days, and start off as a common cold and later on start to affect the child’s breathing.

Early symptoms (first 1–3 days)

  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Low-grade fever
  • Starting of difficulty taking feeds

Symptoms as the infection spreads to the lower airways

  • Whistling sound when breathing out
  • Difficulty with breathing
  • Chest retractions i.e., skin pulls in between or below ribs while breathing
  • Nasal flaring and grunting while breathing
  • Lethargy and tiredness
  • Refusing feeding due to breathlessness

Severe symptoms that require urgent medical care

  • Bluish lips or fingertip
  • Pauses in breathing, especially in young infants
  • Severely laboured breath due to exhaustion

Bronchiolitis often starts like a cold but progresses to cough, wheezing, and breathing difficulty, especially in infants under 2 years.

For expert pediatric care and Bronchiolitis treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

How is bronchiolitis diagnosed in children?


Clinical diagnosis is the main method to diagnose bronchiolitis in children.

Medical history

  • Then last time the child had symptoms like runny nose, cough, fever
  • Any feeding difficulty or breathing problems the child is facing?
  • Any pre-existing health issues such heart/lung disease
  • Premature birth?

Physical examination

  • Is the breathing fast and labored?
  • Are there chest retractions while breathing?
  • Are there wheezing or crackles heard during breathing?
  • Nasal flaring or grunting while exhaling?
  • Oxygen levels, are measured with a pulse oximeter

Tests (on a need basis)


Only if needed doctors may do the following tests:
  • Pulse oximetry to measure oxygen levels in the blood.
  • Nasopharyngeal swab to detect RSV or other viruses, if confirmation is needed.
  • Chest X-ray is taken only in severe or unclear cases to see hyperinflation or patchy infiltrates.

For expert pediatric care and Bronchiolitis treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

How is Bronchiolitis treated in children?


Supportive treatment of bronchiolitis in children is mostly enough for recovery. Since the cause is virus antibiotics are not of much help here unless there’s a bacterial infection as well.

Supportive care


Careful monitoring and recovery steps at home will heal the child. Please take care of the following:-
  • Please give the child small, frequent feeds which could be breast milk or formula
  • IV fluids are given at the hospital if the baby is unable to take the feed by themselves.
  • With saline drops and gentle suction keep the nose clear.
  • Maintain the child’s head in a slightly elevated to help breathing
  • Observe if the child is breathing fast, pausing in breath.
  • Notice the colour of the lips/fingers, if they turn blue then it is a medical emergency.
  • Use paracetamol since it gives comfort and controls fever as well.

Hospital treatment


Infants under 3 months, premature babies, or those with heart/lung disease are given treatment at the hospital.
  • If oxygen levels are low oxygen therapy is administered via nasal prongs mask.
  • If they can’t feed properly IV fluids or feeding is given through a tube.
  • Monitoring for apnea i.e., breathing pauses.

Prevention of Bronchiolitis in children

  • Wash your hands frequently especially if you have to touch or hold the baby.
  • Do not let the baby near any sick person.
  • Breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months since it boosts their immunity.

For bronchiolitis focus on supportive care and fluids if needed but not on antibiotics.

For expert pediatric care and Bronchiolitis treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

About Isha Specialty Clinics, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located at convenient locations in Hyderabad Manikonda in the nearby Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-
  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty

Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections

For expert pediatric care and Bronchiolitis treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care.

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