Treatment:

Sometimes, no treatment is necessary. Antibiotics do not work against viral infections. Most medications do not help treat bronchiolitis.

Supportive therapy can include:

• Drinking plenty of fluids. Breast milk or formula are okay for children younger than 12 months. Electrolyte balanced drinks such as Pedialyte are also okay to use in infants.
• Breathing moist (wet) air to help loosen sticky mucus. You can use a humidifier to moisten the air your child is breathing. Follow the directions that come with the humidifier.
• Getting plenty of rest.
• Not letting anyone smoke in the house, car, or anywhere near your child.

Children in the hospital may need oxygen therapy and fluids given through a vein (IV).

Rarely, antiviral medications such as ribavirin may be used to treat extremely ill children.

Expectations (prognosis):

Usually, the symptoms get better within a week. Breathing difficulty usually gets better by the third day.

Complications:

• Airway disease, including asthma, later in life
• Respiratory failure
• Additional infection, such as pneumonia

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider immediately, or go to the emergency room if the child with bronchiolitis:

• Becomes extremely tired
• Has bluish color in the skin, nails, or lips
• Starts breathing very fast
• Has a cold that suddenly worsens
• Has difficulty breathing
• Flares nostrils or retracts chest muscles in an effort to breathe