Introduction: Respiratory conditions in early childhood, such as bronchiolitis, often interfere with airway clearance, sleep, feeding and overall well-being, impacting not only the child but also the family. Despite their high prevalence, respiratory rehabilitation strategies are rarely implemented in children under two years of age, mainly due to developmental limitations. However, early, play-based and family-centered interventions may represent an innovative opportunity to promote respiratory health and prevent future complications. This study aimed to explore the impact of an early respiratory rehabilitation program grounded in play-based breathing exercises and parental empowerment. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 20 children aged 0–2 years diagnosed with bronchiolitis, between January 2024 and January 2025. The intervention consisted of four individual sessions over a two-week period, each lasting 45 minutes. Age-appropriate, play-based breathing exercises were implemented to support airway clearance in a natural and engaging manner. Parental education was a central component, focusing on daily respiratory health promotion and early recognition of warning signs. Therapeutic optimization was ensured in collaboration with the attending physician. Outcomes included changes in respiratory symptoms, frequency of exacerbations and the need for additional pharmacological treatment. Results: After the intervention, 90% of the children showed clear improvement in respiratory symptoms, with fewer exacerbations reported during follow-up. No additional medication was required. Parents demonstrated high engagement and adherence, reporting increased confidence in supporting their child’s respiratory health at home. Conclusions: This study suggests that early respiratory rehabilitation, when delivered through play-based breathing exercises and supported by parental empowerment, is both feasible and beneficial in children aged 0–2 years. Introducing preventive airway clearance strategies at an early stage may reduce disease burden and foster healthier respiratory trajectories, highlighting the value of innovative, family-centered approaches in pediatric respiratory care.
Ferreira et al. (Wed,) studied this question.