Complications

Complications of severe bronchiolitis may include:

• Blue lips or skin (cyanosis), caused by lack of oxygen
• Pauses in breathing (apnea), which is most likely to occur in premature babies and in babies within the first two months of life
• Dehydration
• Low oxygen levels and respiratory failure

If these occur, your child may need to be in the hospital. Severe respiratory failure may require that a tube be inserted into the windpipe (trachea) to help the child's breathing until the infection has run its course.

If your baby was born prematurely, has a heart or lung condition, or has a depressed immune system, watch closely for beginning signs of bronchiolitis. The infection can quickly become severe. In such cases, your child will usually need hospitalization.