Bronchiolitis is a common infection that affects the small airways in the lungs, known as bronchioles. It most often occurs in children under 2 years of age and is a leading cause of respiratory illness in infants and young children.

The condition is usually caused by the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which is highly contagious and very common. Most children are infected with RSV at least once by the age of 2 to 3 years. While reinfections can occur, they are generally milder.

In most cases, bronchiolitis is mild and resolves on its own within one to two weeks. However, some children especially younger infants or those at higher risk may require medical attention or hospitalization.

How Bronchiolitis Spreads

Bronchiolitis spreads easily through:

Coughing and sneezing
Direct contact with infected individuals
Sharing food, drinks, or utensils

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of bronchiolitis usually begin like a common cold and may include:

Mild cough
Stuffy or runny nose
Fever (above 100.4°F)
Decreased appetite

As the condition progresses, symptoms may worsen and include:

Persistent or worsening cough (may last 1–2 weeks or longer)
Wheezing (commonly lasts about a week)
Rapid or difficult breathing
Trouble feeding due to increased effort in breathing
Fatigue or low energy
Bluish discoloration of lips or fingertips (a sign of low oxygen levels)

What Parents Can Do at Home

For most healthy children, bronchiolitis can be managed at home with supportive care:

Keep the child hydrated by encouraging fluid intake
Use gentle nasal suctioning to clear mucus
Run a humidifier to help ease breathing
Treat fever with medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if needed and age-appropriate)
Avoid over-the-counter cough and cold medications, as they are not recommended for young children
Keep the child away from smoke or secondhand smoke
Monitor symptoms closely for any worsening

When to Contact a Doctor

Seek medical advice if your child:

Has difficulty breathing
Is younger than 2–3 months and develops a fever above 100.4°F
Has a fever lasting more than 3 days
Shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears when crying, reduced urination)

When to Seek Emergency Care

Call emergency services immediately if your child:

Stops breathing
Turns blue or very pale
Has severe difficulty breathing
Makes grunting sounds while breathing
Appears extremely tired or unable to continue breathing effort

Prevention Tips

You can reduce the risk of bronchiolitis by:

Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer
Avoiding close contact with sick individuals
Keeping your child away from crowded places during peak infection seasons
Ensuring routine vaccinations, including the yearly flu shot

Areas We Serve

Epic Urgent and Family Care proudly provides care for bronchiolitis across a wide range of communities.

Neighborhoods We Serve:
Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Inverness, Barrington, South Barrington, Rolling Meadows, Wheeling, Prospect Heights, Deerfield, Mount Prospect, Lake Zurich, Glenview, Vernon Hills, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, and Downers Grove.

Zip Codes We Serve:
60004, 60074, 60010, 60011, 60005, 60007, 60008, 60015, 60016, 60018, 60025, 60047, 60061, 60062, 60067, 60656, 60089, 60090, 60106, 60107, 60169, 60192, and 60193.