Former The Only Way Is Essex star Lydia Bright has shared an emotional update with her followers, revealing that her baby niece Luna was hospitalised for a week after contracting bronchiolitis.
Instagram Update Reveals Health Scare
The 35-year-old television personality took to her Instagram Story on Thursday to post a sweet photograph of the infant alongside her own five-year-old daughter, Loretta. In her caption, Bright explained that her niece had been "so poorly" and required hospital treatment throughout the previous week.
"My little Luna has been so poorly and spent all of last week in hospital with bronchiolitis," Bright wrote. "She's finally home safe and sound."
Family Connection and Emotional Impact
Bright added a personal note about the separation, stating: "This is the longest I've gone without seeing her. My last cuddle was on Christmas Day." The baby is the daughter of Ellie Pike, who was fostered by Bright's parents, Debbie and Dave, when she was just six years old, making Pike Bright's long-term foster sister.
Last year, Bright celebrated Luna's arrival with an affectionate social media post, writing: "My first niece, my perfect little Luna. In her short little life, I'm already so in love." She praised Pike as "the sweetest, softest baby, no surprise with a mummy as pure and beautiful as my sister."
Understanding Bronchiolitis in Infants
According to medical information from Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, bronchiolitis represents a common chest infection that typically affects babies under one year old. The condition shares similarities with a common cold, with symptoms including:
- A blocked or runny nose
- A persistent cough
- A mildly raised temperature
While most cases resolve without intervention, some infants experience more severe symptoms that necessitate hospital care for monitoring and support.
Lydia Bright's Personal Journey
The television personality welcomed her daughter Loretta in February 2020 with her former partner Lee Cronin. At the time, she told HELLO! magazine: "My darling girl has arrived. I am so overwhelmed with love, she is absolutely perfect."
Bright had previously revealed her pregnancy in 2019 while also announcing her separation from Cronin after a two-year on-and-off relationship. "It's not the ideal situation," she acknowledged. "I waited quite a long time to try for a baby, waited until I thought it was perfect. I've always wanted the fairytale."
Five years after her separation from Cronin, Bright began a relationship with landscape gardener Ben Davies. Their romance became public knowledge when they attended a music gig together featuring her ex-boyfriend James Argent. However, in January of last year, Bright confirmed via social media that this relationship had also ended.
Bronchiolitis: Key Information for Parents
Bronchiolitis represents a lower respiratory tract infection that predominantly affects babies and children under two years of age. The condition typically clears within two to three weeks without requiring specific medical treatment.
Parents should seek medical advice if their child exhibits:
- Reduced feeding compared to normal patterns
- A dry nappy lasting twelve hours or more
- A persistent temperature of 38°C or above
- Unusual tiredness or irritability
Emergency medical attention becomes necessary if a child experiences breathing difficulties, develops blue lips or tongue, or demonstrates long pauses between breaths.
The infection spreads through tiny droplets from coughs or sneezes, causing inflammation in the small airways of the lungs. While there is no specific medication to eliminate the virus, supportive care including hydration and pain relief when appropriate can help manage symptoms.
