There are several complications associated with bronchiolitis. These may include:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Cyanosis (an ashen or blue tinge to the skin caused by lack of oxygen).
- Dehydration.
- Fatigue.
- Severe respiratory failure (an inability to breathe unaided).
If any of these complications occur, it is likely that your child will need treatment in hospital.
There are also a number of other factors that may complicate cases of bronchiolitis.
Underlying health conditions
If your child was born with a health problem, such as a heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system, their symptoms of bronchiolitis may come on very rapidly and quickly become severe. The infection can also make any symptoms of your child's underlying health problem worse.
Pneumonia
In rare cases, bronchiolitis can be accompanied by bacterial pneumonia, which infects the lungs. If this happens, the pneumonia will need separate treatment.
Asthma in later life
Little is known about how cases of bronchiolitis relate to the development of asthma. However, if your child has repeated bouts of bronchiolitis, there may be a chance that they are more likely to develop asthma in later life as a result.
