Do you have a child aged 0-5 years with a respiratory condition?
Feeling lonely, tired or stressed?
Want to talk to someone who understands how it feels?
We are here for you
Supporting families with respiratory conditions in children aged 0-5
One to one phone calls and virtual support groups available in Wirral & Cheshire West for families with children 0-5 years old affected by respiratory conditions.
Information and support for parents/carers
Group support and one to one
We know that caring for a little one with breathing difficulties can be overwhelming and exhausting at times. Some parents find this to be a lonely time.
Our Parent Champions are here to be alongside you on your journey.
With lived experience and full training, they can provide a listening ear, information and emotional support for families affected by respiratory conditions.
Virtual support groups will be available to bring parents and carers who want to access peer support together in a safe space.
Sometimes it just feels good to chat.
To access support:
Call 0151 608 8288 to request a call back
Interpretation service available if English is not your first language www.wmo.org.uk/little-lungs
GET IN TOUCH
email: admin@koalanw.co.uk
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Twitter: @LittleLungsWirr
koalanw.co.uk/little-lungs-wirral-cheshirewest
Further information on Bronchiolitis
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RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common viral infection, that causes coughs and colds in winter and can lead to bronchiolitis. Many families may not recognise the symptoms or would like to know more about this condition
Wirral Multicultural Organisation is trying to raise awareness of childhood respiratory infections and support families affected by them for their children aged 0-3 in Wirral.
If you have any questions, or would like support for you and your child’s RSV infection problems, please contact our support helpline on: 07706316457
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
Bronchiolitis is caused by a virus known a the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is spread through tiny droplets of liquid from coughs or sneezes of someone who is infected.
It is a normal, common childhood virus, which most children have had by two years of age. Most children manage well at home and will get better with time.
Koala NW are working in partnership with Wirral Multicultural Organisation, Ferries Family Groups, Bee Wirral and The Foundation Years Trust. Coming together to raise awareness of RSV and supporting families affected by it.
Working in partnership with Arrowe Park Hospital and health professionals, to provide information and support to respond to a potential surge in respiratory infections in children.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A cough, snuffles, runny nose and mild fever. Getting worse for the first 5 days and may leave a lingering cough afterwards.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Check on your child regularly
- Give smaller feeds more regularly (breastfeeding is great for this)
- Sit baby up after feeds
- Avoid cigarette smoke, this is an irritant and will make your baby’s symptoms worse
- Hand washing and disinfecting surfaces regularly
- Antibiotics, steroids and inhalers don’t help
WHEN TO GET IMMEDIATE HELP
Seek help urgently by ringing 999 or attend A & E, if your child has any of the following symptoms:
- A bluish tinge around the mouth or lips
- Is unresponsive
- Is very irritable
- Working harder to breath
- Displays long pauses in breathing (over 15 seconds)
Make same day contact with your GP or ring 111, if your child has any of the following symptoms:
- Feeding less than half you would normally expect
- Paler than normal
- Less than two wet nappies a day
- Has a temperature of above 38.5°C, or above 38°C if your baby is under three months old
BRONCHIOLITIS ADVICE & SUPPORT
- Are you concerned about a potential rise in paediatric respiratory infections and the factors that can increase the risk of your child developing more severe symptoms?
- Has one of your children already been affected?
- Is one of your children currently experiencing symptoms of this virus, and you have concerns?
- Click the link below to view our leaflet, which gives comprehensive details of all the support and services we can offer.
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RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) bronchiolitis- what you need to know
RSV is a normal, common childhood virus, it is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Most children will have had RSV by the age of 2.
In most cases, bronchiolitis is mild, children manage well at home and will get better within 2-3 weeks without needing treatment.
Due to the impact of Covid-19 infection control and hygiene methods it has reduced the circulation of other respiratory infections, therefore many babies and young children will not yet have been exposed to this common virus.
What to expect?
Cough, snuffle, runny nose, a mild fever, cough and chestiness that will get worse over the first 5 days of illness and may leave a lingering cough afterwards.
How can you help?
- Check on your child regularly
- Give smaller feeds more frequently (breastfeeding is great for this)
- Sit baby up after feeds
- Avoid cigarette smoke, this is an irritant and will make your baby’s symptoms worse
- Hand washing and disinfecting surfaces regularly
- Antibiotic, steroids, and inhalers don’t help
Make same day contact with 111 or your GP if: –
- Feeding less than half their normal intake
- Paler than normal
- Less than 2 wet nappies a day
- If your child is vomiting
- High temperature >38.5 or above temperature above 38 under 3 months
Seek help urgently 999 or Attend A&E if: –
- If your child has a bluish tinge around mouth and lips,
- If your child is unresponsive
- If your child is very irritable,
- If your child is working harder to breath
- If your child displays long pauses in breathing (over 15 seconds)
There are factors that can increase the risk of a child developing more severe bronchiolitis, these include:
Children with complex health needs.
Aged 6 weeks or less.
Born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy)