Symptoms

For the first few days, the signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to those of a cold:

• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Cough
• Slight fever (not always present)

After this, there may be a week or more of difficulty breathing or a whistling noise when the child breathes out (wheezing).

Many infants also have an ear infection (otitis media).

When to see a doctor

If it's difficult to get your child to eat or drink and his or her breathing becomes more rapid or labored, call your child's doctor. This is especially important if your child is younger than 12 weeks old or has other risk factors for bronchiolitis — including premature birth or a heart or lung condition.

The following signs and symptoms are reasons to seek prompt medical attention:

• Audible wheezing sounds
• Breathing very fast — more than 60 breaths a minute (tachypnea) — and shallowly
• Labored breathing — the ribs seem to suck inward when the infant inhales
• Sluggish or lethargic appearance
• Refusal to drink enough, or breathing too fast to eat or drink
• Skin turning blue, especially the lips and fingernails (cyanosis)