Bronchitis in infants

Overview

Bronchitis in infants is an infection that causes swelling and irritation in the airways (bronchial tubes) that carry air to the lungs. This makes it harder for the baby to breathe and often causes a wet or dry cough.

Yes, bronchitis is very common in infants, especially during cold and flu season. Nearly all children will have at least one episode before age 2.

It affects infants from birth to about 1 year old. Babies who go to daycare or have older siblings are more likely to get it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Cough (dry or with mucus)
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Mild fever (under 38.5°C / 101.3°F)
• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
• Rapid or shallow breathing
• Irritability or trouble feeding

Symptoms in children

• Same symptoms as above, but older children may complain of chest tightness or tiredness.

Symptoms in older adults

• This article focuses solely on infants. Bronchitis in older adults is different and has its own symptom profile.

Causes

Main causes

• Viruses – most often respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, or parainfluenza
• Bacteria – rare, but sometimes a secondary infection can occur after a viral illness

Risk factors

• Being born prematurely (before 37 weeks)
• Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke
• Attending daycare or having school‑age siblings
• Not being breastfed (breast milk provides some protection)
• Weakened immune system due to other medical conditions

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any of the emergency symptoms listed above
• Baby has a weak, persistent cry
• Coughing that interrupts sleep or feeding significantly

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your baby has a cough lasting more than 1 week
• You are worried about your baby’s breathing in any way
• Fever that lasts more than 2 days without improving

Diagnosis

A doctor will diagnose bronchitis by listening to your baby’s cough, asking about symptoms, and checking their breathing with a stethoscope. In most cases, no special tests are needed.

Tests that may be done

• Physical exam – listening to the lungs for wheezing or crackles
• Pulse oximetry – a small clip on the finger or toe to measure oxygen levels
• Chest X‑ray – sometimes to rule out pneumonia, especially if breathing is very difficult
• Viral swab – a gentle nose or throat swab to identify the specific virus (not always needed)

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask about your baby’s symptoms, feeding, and any exposure to sick people. They will watch your baby breathe and listen to their lungs. The appointment usually takes 15–20 minutes.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on helping your baby breathe easier and stay hydrated while their body fights the infection. Antibiotics do not work for viral bronchitis, so they are not prescribed.

Self-care at home

• Give plenty of breast milk or formula to prevent dehydration – feed smaller amounts more often if needed
• Use a cool‑mist humidifier in the baby’s room to moisten the air and soothe the cough
• Suction nasal mucus with a bulb syringe to help your baby breathe and feed
• Keep your baby upright (e.g., in a baby carrier) for short periods after feeding to help with drainage

Medical treatments

If your baby has significant wheezing or difficulty breathing, the doctor may prescribe an inhaled medicine (such as a bronchodilator) to relax the airways. Always use these exactly as directed. In hospital settings, oxygen therapy may be given if oxygen levels are low. No over‑the‑counter cough or cold medicines should ever be given to infants.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat bronchitis in infants.

Living with this condition

Monitor your baby’s breathing and feeding closely. Keep them calm and comfortable. Offer breast milk or formula often. Use a thermometer to check temperature. Let them rest as much as needed.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep your home smoke‑free – do not let anyone smoke near the baby or in the house
• Avoid exposing your baby to crowds or known sick people during recovery
• Wash hands thoroughly before handling the baby

Diet and exercise

Infants rely on breast milk or formula for nutrition and hydration. Do not stress about solid foods if your baby is not interested. There is no exercise routine – gentle movement and holding is fine.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Caring for a sick infant can be stressful and exhausting. It is normal to feel anxious or worried. Take breaks when possible and ask for help from family or friends. If you feel overwhelmed, speak with your healthcare provider.

Prevention

You cannot completely prevent viral infections, but you can lower the risk by washing hands often, keeping your baby away from sick people, and not smoking around them.

Vaccines

Vaccines can prevent some causes of bronchitis. The flu vaccine is recommended for babies from 6 months of age. The whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine is given as part of routine childhood immunisations. Pregnant women can also receive the pertussis vaccine to protect newborns.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for bronchitis in healthy infants.

Complications

If left untreated

• Pneumonia – infection spreads to the lungs
• Bronchiolitis – inflammation of smaller airways, which can be more severe in infants
• Ear infections
• Dehydration from reduced feeding
• Rarely, respiratory failure requiring hospital care

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good. Most infants recover fully within 1 to 2 weeks with home care. In rare cases, hospital treatment is needed, but the baby usually makes a full recovery. With proper monitoring, complications are uncommon.

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