Parents advised to be on the alert for Bronchiolitis

Parents are encouraged to look out for signs of Bronchiolitis in babies and toddlers during the winter months.

Bronchiolitis causes the small airways in the lungs to become infected and inflamed. It is a common infection that affects the breathing of babies and young children, with most cases occurring from November to March when the viruses are most active.

The Children’s Community Nursing Team in the Rochdale borough is specially trained to treat youngsters at home and can help when Bronchiolitis sets in, so the child doesn’t have to go to hospital.

“This is the time of year when NHS waiting rooms are busy with babies and children suffering from bronchiolitis, flu and other winter illnesses,” said Alison Butterworth, Children’s Community Nursing Team Leader for Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

“Bronchiolitis is one of the most common winter infections and in most cases we are able to help parents to manage the condition at home or a local clinic.”

The illness is so common that it is estimated that up to 50 per cent of all children will have suffered from bronchiolitis by the time they reach two years of age. Early symptoms are similar to those of a common cold, such as a runny nose and cough, but can often develop to include a raised temperature, dry and persistent coughing and difficulty feeding.

Ms Butterworth, continued: “With regular monitoring and enough fluids, the vast majority of babies and toddlers will recover in a couple of weeks. During that time, we can offer parents peace of mind by visiting when required, helping them to avoid the inconvenience of an unnecessary visit to hospital and ensuring more children can stay at home with their families.

“Only in the most severe cases would admission to hospital usually be required, such as when a child has difficulty feeding or breathing or has underlying health issues.”

Children’s Community Nursing Teams throughout Greater Manchester are staffed by nurses with the specialist skills required to provide routine treatment at home and at local, nurse led clinics. GPs and staff at local hospitals often have the option to refer children and young people into the care of community teams if their condition can be safely managed at home.

Speak to your GP for more information about Bronchiolitis, keeping children healthy through the winter and how to access the Children’s Community Nursing Team.