Over the past few weeks, many parents have noticed it— a wave of stubborn coughs, runny noses, and breathing issues in children that don’t seem to go away easily. We have  had a bad spate of viral infections but it is very likely we will get a 2nd round during our cold season/winter, which is when respiratory viral infections tend to peak.  

Right now, we are seeing more cases where what looks like a simple cold slowly turns into something deeper: bronchiolitis. 

Bronchiolitis doesn’t start dramatically. It often begins like something you’ve seen many times before.

Day 1–3: 

Runny nose Mild cough 

Maybe a slight fever 

At this stage, it feels like a normal cold. But then something changes- And this is why many parents feel caught off guard.

Day 3–5: 

Cough worsens 

Breathing becomes faster or more difficult Wheezing (whistling breathing) may start 

Feeding becomes harder 

This is when the infection moves from the upper airway (nose) deeper into the chest- into the bronchioles which are tiniest airways of the lungs.  

 

Understanding It Simply: The “Lung Tree” 

Think of your child’s lungs like a tree. 

The trunk is the main airway, it branches into smaller tubes. The smallest branches are called bronchioles 

Bronchiolitis happens when these tiny airways: become inflamed- they swell up and get filled with mucous, cellular debris etc. 

This makes it harder for air to move in and out, especially in babies with already small airways. 

 

What Causes Bronchiolitis? 

Bronchiolitis is a viral infection- there’s a myriad of viruses that can cause this infection, but the commonest ones tend to be Respiratory Synctial Virus (RSV), the “common cold” virus- Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, and many others including even the Influenza virus.  

 

What NOT to Do at Home

Let’s be very clear here—these two things don’t help: 

  • Antibiotics – This is a viral infection. Antibiotics do not treat viruses.
  • Cough Syrups – Cough syrups are not effective in young children and are not recommended. For kids over the age of 1 year, honey works very well for a cough.

 

What Actually Helps Your Child 

Focus on simple, effective support: 

  • Saline Nose Drops or Spray Acts like a rinse for the airways Helps thin thick, sticky mucus. Can help clear out viruses from the nasal passages
  • Nasal Suction (Snot Sucker) Helps physically remove mucus. Makes feeding and sleeping easier
  • Hydration – Fluids help loosen mucus Supports recovery
  • Small, frequent feeds work best when your child is unwell.

Most bronchiolitis cases get better on their own between Day 7 and 10 when the inflammation begins to settle and congestion and breathing improve.  However, many kids will have a lingering cough that can hang around for 2 to 3 weeks. Don’t be alarmed if your child is breathing and feeding well.  

 

When to Seek Medical Care 

Don’t wait if you notice: 

  • Fast or labored breathing 
  • Chest pulling in with each breath 
  • Wheezing persistently 
  • Difficulty feeding
  • Unusual sleepiness

These are signs your child needs medical evaluation.

 

Word for Parents 

This current wave of respiratory illness has made one thing clear: 

Not every “cold” is just a cold. 

If your child’s symptoms are changing, worsening, or affecting their breathing, trust that signal.