Lucy Mecklenburgh reveals her daughter Lilah, 2 months, was hospitalised with bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection that affects babies and children under two.

Most cases clear up within two-to-three weeks without treatment.

However, some infants suffer severe symptoms that require treating in hospital.

Early symptoms are similar to a cold, such as a runny nose or cough. Over the next few days, these may develop into:

• Fever
• Dry, persistent cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing

Parents should contact their GP or NHS 111 if their child has eaten less than usual over their past few feeds or has had a dry nappy for 12 hours.

A persistent temperature of 38°C or above and a child who seems tired or irritable may also be a cause for concern.

Parents should call 999 if their child has difficulty breathing, a blue tongue or lips, or if there are long pauses between breaths.

Bronchiolitis is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which spreads via tiny droplets from the sneezes or coughs of an infected person.

This causes the small airways in the lungs to become inflamed, which reduces the amount of air that can enter them.

Around one in three children become infected in the first year of their life. By age two, almost all children will have been infected, of which around half of go on to develop bronchiolitis.

There is no medication that kills RSV but treatment is not usually required.

Only between two and three per cent of babies need taking to hospital due to bronchiolitis.

If a child become infected, parents should ensure they stay hydrated and give them painkillers if necessary.

Bronchiolitis is hard to prevent but the following may help:

• Wash your hands and your child’s frequently
• Wash or wipe toys and surfaces regularly
• Keep newborns away from people with colds or flu
• Keep infected children at home until their symptoms clear up 
• Do not expose your child to smoke

Source: NHS Choices