Bronchiolitis symptoms typically starts out with symptoms similar to the common cold, such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and coughing. After about a week, symptoms can change to a more serious cough, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Some children may also experience a fever and many infants develop an ear infection. Serious cases of bronchiolitis in children can present loud wheezing sounds, very fast and shallow breathing, labored breathing, appearing sluggish or lethargic, refusing to each or drink, unable to eat or drink due to rapid breathing and the skin, lips or fingernails turning blue. When any of these symptoms are present, medical attention should be sought out immediately, particularly in infants under 12 weeks or if the child has risk factors such as a heart or lung condition or was born prematurely.