Acute Bronchitis in Children | Cedars-Sinai

Not what you’re looking for?

What is acute bronchitis in children?

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the large breathing tubes (bronchi)
in the lungs. The illness can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute
bronchitis means that the symptoms often develop quickly and don’t last long. Most cases
are mild.

What causes acute bronchitis in a child?

Acute bronchitis is most often
caused by a viral infection. It may also be caused by bacteria or things such as dust,
allergens, strong fumes, or tobacco smoke.

In children, the most common cause of acute bronchitis is a virus. The illness may develop after a cold or other viral infection in the nose, mouth, or throat (upper respiratory tract). Such illnesses can spread easily from direct contact with a person who is sick.

Which children are at risk for acute bronchitis?

Children who have a higher chance of developing acute bronchitis are those who have:

• Chronic sinusitis
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
• Exposure to secondhand smoke

What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis in a child?

These are the most common symptoms:

• Dry or mucus-filled cough
• Vomiting or gagging
• Runny nose, often before a cough starts
• Chest congestion or pain
• An overall body discomfort or not feeling well
• Chills
• Slight fever
• Back and muscle pain
• Wheezing
• Sore throat

These symptoms often last 7 to 14
days. But the cough may continue for 3 to 4 weeks. These symptoms may look like other
health problems. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a
diagnosis.

How is acute bronchitis diagnosed in a child?

Your child’s healthcare provider
can often diagnose acute bronchitis with a health history and physical exam. In some
cases, your child may need tests to rule out other health problems, such as pneumonia or
asthma. These tests may include:

• Chest X-rays. This test makes images of internal tissues, bones, and organs.
• Pulse oximetry. An oximeter is a small device that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. For this test, the healthcare provider puts a small sensor (like a clip) on your child’s finger or toe. When the device is on, a small red light can be seen in the sensor. The sensor is painless and the red light does not get hot.
• Sputum and nasal discharge samples. These tests can find the germ causing an infection.

How is acute bronchitis treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your
child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the
condition is.

In nearly all cases, antibiotics
should not be used to treat acute bronchitis. That’s because most of the infections are
caused by viruses. Even children who have been coughing for longer than 8 to 10 days
often don’t need antibiotics.

The goal of treatment is to help
ease symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Plenty of rest
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever
  and mild pain
• Cough medicine for children over 4
  years old
• More fluids
• Cool-mist humidifier in your child’s
  room

Talk with your child’s healthcare
provider before giving over-the-counter cough and cold medicine to your child. The
American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend giving these medicines to children
younger than 4 years old because they may cause harmful side effects. For children
between ages 4 and 6, only use over-the-counter products when recommended by your
child’s healthcare provider.  In most cases, also don’t give antihistamines. They can
dry up the secretions. That can make the cough worse.

Don’t give aspirin or medicine that contains aspirin to a child
younger than age 19 unless directed by your child’s provider. Taking aspirin can put
your child at risk for Reye syndrome. This is a rare but very serious disorder. It most
often affects the brain and the liver.

.

What are possible complications of acute bronchitis in a child?

Most children who have acute bronchitis will get better without any problems. But the illness can lead to pneumonia.

How can I help prevent acute bronchitis in my child?

You can help prevent acute bronchitis by stopping the spread of viruses that may lead to it. Take these steps:

• Teach your child to cover their nose
  and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Make sure your child washes his or her hands often.
• Check that your child is up-to-date on all vaccines, including the yearly flu shot.

When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?

Call your child’s healthcare
provider right away if your child’s symptoms get worse, if new symptoms develop, or if
he or she has:

• Trouble breathing
• A high fever

Key points about acute bronchitis in children

• Bronchitis is an inflammation of the large breathing tubes (bronchi) in the lungs. Acute bronchitis means that the symptoms often develop quickly and don’t last long.
• In children, the most common cause of acute bronchitis is a virus.
• A cough, fever, runny nose, and body aches are common symptoms.
• Treatment is aimed at easing symptoms. It may include plenty of rest and fluids. Medicines for fever or cough may also help.
• Antibiotics are not needed, unless the cause is a bacterial infection.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.

Not what you’re looking for?

Acute Bronchitis | Boston Children’s Hospital

What is acute bronchitis?

Bronchitis describes an inflammation of your child’s large breathing tubes or airways, called bronchi.  There are several different types of bronchitis, but the two most common are chronic, which primarily affects adults, and acute, which is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of your child’s bronchial tubes. Although it is often a relatively mild condition, in the earlier stages of acute bronchitis, your child may experience a dry, non-productive cough. Later on, this will become an abundant, mucus-filled cough. This coughing may even cause your child to gag or vomit.

What causes acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus — it often follows the common cold.

• Acute bronchitis may occur in children who suffer from allergies, chronic sinusitis, or those with enlarged tonsils and adenoids
• Acute bronchitis can also be caused by dust, allergens, strong fumes, or secondhand smoke; acute bronchitis may be the cause or result of an asthma attack.
• Pneumonia can be a complication of bronchitis

What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?

Each child may experience symptoms differently, but common symptoms include:

• runny nose, usually before a cough starts
• malaise, or a general ill feeling
• chills
• slight fever
• back and muscle pain
• sore throat

How is acute bronchitis diagnosed and treated?

Usually, your child’s physician will be able to diagnose bronchitis based solely on your child’s medical history and a physical examination. Certain tests may be ordered, including chest X-rays, blood tests, and sputum cultures, to rule out other diseases and to confirm the diagnosis. It’s important to consult with your child’s physician, but most cases of acute bronchitis will go away on their own-symptoms usually last for one to two weeks. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks lots of water and fruit juices.

Bronchitis in children: Home remedies for kids

You can help your child beat bronchitis

With cold and flu season underway, it’s possible your child could come down with a case of bronchitis. And while the symptoms sometimes sound awful – wheezing and a deep, nagging cough that produces mucus – bronchitis in children is typically a mild condition. Home remedies for bronchitis in children can be very effective.

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the large breathing tubes called airways or bronchi. The most common type of bronchitis in children is acute bronchitis.

How does bronchitis happen?

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, with symptoms commonly appearing after a common cold. Other causes include allergies, irritants like dust or cigarette smoke, and can be associated with asthma. Bronchitis in children can come on quickly after a cold, but is usually mild typically lasting between 1-3 weeks.

What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?

Symptoms can vary, but usual symptoms include:

• Runny nose
• Low-grade fever
• Feeling unwell
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Cough

At first, cough can be dry, but eventually results in a cough that produces greenish or yellowish mucus.  Mucus further blocks the airway, making it difficult for your child to breathe. Bronchitis in children can come on quickly after a cold and can last a few weeks.

Effective home remedies for bronchitis in children.

The cough that comes with bronchitis may sound bad, but coughing is the natural way to clear the lungs. Most cases will improve on their own. You can effectively soothe the symptoms of bronchitis in children with home remedies like these:

• Increase fluids. Increasing fluid intake can help sooth a sore throat and make the mucus in your child’s lungs easier to cough up. Try warm lemonade, soup, and warm water with lemon and honey.
• Rest in an upright position. Plenty of rest will help your child regain his or her health. But congestion may make it difficult for him or her to sleep. Try elevating the head of the bed by placing a few pillows under the top of the mattress to help your child rest more easily.
• Warm compresses for the chest. Bronchitis can make your child’s chest feel heavy and the bronchitis cough can hurt. Provide warm compresses to your child’s chest to make him or her feel better.
• Add some humidity. A steamy bath or shower may help ease your child’s breathing. And a cool mist humidifier in his or her room overnight can also help.
• Eliminate irritants. Smoking should never be done around any child. Smoke can especially irritate already sore lungs in your child and can also delay the healing process. In addition, make sure your child is not in an environment where he or she is inhaling dust, pollen or chemicals.
• Give over-the-counter medications with care. Children over the age of 6 may need a dose of over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen for pain or fever. Follow directions carefully. Always contact your child’s doctor before giving any over-the-counter medication to a child younger than 6.

Is it bronchitis or something else?

A bronchitis cough can sometimes be a symptom of something more serious (like pneumonia). If your child has any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor as quickly as possible to rule out any other condition:

• A persistent fever over 100 degrees for a week
• Chest pain and significant shortness of breath
• Coughing or wheezing for longer than four weeks
• Your child coughs up bloody mucus
• Significant weakness that does not improve
• If your child has asthma and gets bronchitis

Learn More

Learn more about common causes of coughs in children and about the Children’s Health pulmonology programs and services.

Sign Up

Stay current on the health insights that make a difference to your children. Sign up for the Children’s Health newsletter and have more tips sent directly to your inbox.

Pediatric Bronchitis: Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology, Etiology

Bronchiolitis – NHS

Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection that affects babies and young children under 2 years old.

Most cases are mild and clear up within 2 to 3 weeks without the need for treatment, although some children have severe symptoms and need hospital treatment.

The early symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to those of a common cold, such as a runny nose and a cough.

Further symptoms then usually develop over the next few days, including:

• a slight high temperature (fever)
• a dry and persistent cough
• difficulty feeding
• rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing)

When to get medical help

Most cases of bronchiolitis are not serious, but see your GP or call NHS 111 if:

• you’re worried about your child
• your child has taken less than half their usual amount during the last 2 or 3 feeds, or they have had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more
• your child has a persistent high temperature of 38C or above
• your child seems very tired or irritable

A diagnosis of bronchiolitis is based on your child’s symptoms and an examination of their breathing.

Dial 999 for an ambulance if:

• your baby is having difficulty breathing
• your baby’s tongue or lips are blue
• there are long pauses in your baby’s breathing

What causes bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is caused by a virus known as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is spread through tiny droplets of liquid from the coughs or sneezes of someone who’s infected.

The infection causes the smallest airways in the lungs (the bronchioles) to become infected and inflamed.

The inflammation reduces the amount of air entering the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

Who’s affected?

Around 1 in 3 children in the UK will develop bronchiolitis during their first year of life. It most commonly affects babies between 3 and 6 months of age.

By the age of 2, almost all infants will have been infected with RSV and up to half will have had bronchiolitis.

Bronchiolitis is most widespread during the winter (from November to March). It’s possible to get bronchiolitis more than once during the same season.

Treating bronchiolitis

There’s no medication to kill the virus that causes bronchiolitis, but the infection usually clears up within 2 weeks without the need for treatment.

Most children can be cared for at home in the same way that you’d treat a cold.

Make sure your child gets enough fluid to avoid dehydration. You can give infants paracetamol or ibuprofen to bring down their temperature if the fever is upsetting them. 

About 2 to 3% of babies who develop bronchiolitis during the first year of life will need to be admitted to hospital because they develop more serious symptoms, such as breathing difficulties.

This is more common in premature babies (born before week 37 of pregnancy) and those born with a heart or lung condition.

Preventing bronchiolitis

It’s very difficult to prevent bronchiolitis, but there are steps you can take to reduce your child’s risk of catching it and help prevent the virus spreading.

You should:

• wash your hands and your child’s hands frequently
• wash or wipe toys and surfaces regularly
• keep infected children at home until their symptoms have improved
• keep newborn babies away from people with colds or flu
• avoid smoking around your child, and do not let others smoke around them

Some children who are at high risk of developing severe bronchiolitis may have monthly antibody injections, which help limit the severity of the infection.

Page last reviewed: 06 August 2018
Next review due: 06 August 2021

When Your Child Has Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes (airways in the lungs) become infected or inflamed. Normally, air moves in and out of these airways easily. When a child has acute bronchitis, the tubes become narrowed, making it harder for air to flow in and out of the lungs. This causes shortness of breath and coughing or wheezing. Acute bronchitis often goes away without treatment in a few days to a few weeks.

What causes acute bronchitis?

• A cold or the flu (most cases)

• A bacterial infection

• Exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke, smog, paint, and household cleaners

• Other respiratory problems, such as asthma

What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis often comes on suddenly, often after a cold or flu. Symptoms include:

• Noisy breathing or wheezing

• Mucus buildup in the airways and lungs

• Slight fever and chills

• Sucking in of the skin around the ribs when your child inhales (chest retractions), a sign of difficult breathing)

• Coughing up yellowish-gray or green mucus

How is acute bronchitis diagnosed?

Your child’s health history, a physical exam, and certain tests can help your child’s healthcare provider diagnose bronchitis. During the exam, the provider will listen to your child’s chest and check his or her ears, nose, and throat. One or more of these tests may also be done:

• Sputum culture. Fluid from your child’s lungs may be checked for bacteria. Based on your child’s age, this test may optional because it is hard to get in younger children.

• Chest X-ray. Your child may have a chest X-ray to look for a bacterial infection in the lungs (pneumonia).

• Other tests. Your child may have other tests to check for underlying problems such as allergies or asthma. Your child may be referred to a specialist for these tests.

How is acute bronchitis treated?

The best treatment for acute bronchitis is to ease symptoms. Antibiotics are often not helpful because viruses cause most cases of acute bronchitis. To help your child feel more comfortable:

• Give your child plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or warm soup. Fluids loosen mucus, helping your child breathe more easily. They also prevent dehydration.

• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.

• Keep your house smoke-free.

• Use “children’s strength” medicine for symptoms. Talk about all over-the-counter products with the healthcare provider before using them, including cough syrup. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not advise using cough or cold medicine in children under 4 years of age. Use caution when giving these medicines to kids between the ages 4 and 11.

• Don’t give aspirin (or medicine that contains aspirin) to a child younger than age 19 unless directed by your child’s provider. Taking aspirin can put your child at risk for Reye syndrome. This is a rare but very serious disorder. It most often affects the brain and the liver.

• Never give ibuprofen to an infant 6 months old or younger.

If antibiotics are prescribed

Your child’s healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics only if your child has a bacterial infection. In that case:

• Make sure your child takes all the medicine, even if he or she feels better. Otherwise, the infection may come back.

• Be sure that your child takes the medicine as directed. For example, some antibiotics should be taken with food.

• Ask your child’s healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause and what to do about them.

Preventing future infections

To help your child stay healthy:

• Teach children to wash their hands often. It’s the best way to prevent most infections.

• Don’t let anyone smoke in your house or around your child.

• Think about having children ages 6 months to 18 years get a flu shot each year. The shot is advised for young children because they are especially at risk of flu, which can lead to bronchitis.

Tips for correct handwashing

Use clean, running water and plenty of soap. Work up a good lather.

• Clean the whole hand, under the nails, between fingers, and up the wrists.

• Wash for at least 20 seconds (as long as it takes to say the ABCs or sing “Happy Birthday”). Don’t just wipe—scrub well.

• Rinse well. Let the water run down the fingers, not up the wrists.

• In a public restroom, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.

When to get medical care 

Call the healthcare provider if your otherwise healthy child has:

• Fever (see “Fever and children” below)

• Symptoms that get worse, or new symptoms

• Symptoms that don’t start to get better in a week, or within 3 days of taking antibiotics

• Bronchial infections that keep coming back

Call

911

Call 911 if your child has any of these:

• Trouble breathing

• Skin sucking in around the ribs when your child breathes in (retractions)

• Trouble breathing or can’t talk

• Blue purple or gray skin color, especially lips

• Trouble talking or swallowing

• Loss of consciousness or dizziness

• Seizure-like activity

• Shortness of breath or wheezing

Fever and children

Use a digital thermometer to check your child’s temperature. Don’t use a mercury thermometer. There are different kinds of digital thermometers. They include ones for the mouth, ear, forehead (temporal), rectum, or armpit. Ear temperatures aren’t accurate before 6 months of age. Don’t take an oral temperature until your child is at least 4 years old.

Use a rectal thermometer with care. It may accidentally poke a hole in the rectum. It may pass on germs from the stool. Follow the product maker’s directions for correct use. If you don’t feel OK using a rectal thermometer, use another type. When you talk to your child’s healthcare provider, tell him or her which type you used.

Below are guidelines to know if your child has a fever. Your child’s healthcare provider may give you different numbers for your child.

A baby under 3 months old:

A child age 3 months to 36 months (3 years):

• Rectal, forehead, or ear: 102°F (38.9°C) or higher

• Armpit: 101°F (38.3°C) or higher

Call the healthcare provider in these cases:

• Repeated temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher

• Fever that lasts more than 24 hours in a child under age 2

• Fever that lasts for 3 days in a child age 2 or older

Bronchiolitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Overview

What is bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that causes the airways (bronchioles) in the lungs to become narrow, which makes breathing difficult. It occurs most often in children under age 2 during winter and early spring. Very rarely, adults can get bronchiolitis.

For instance, there is a condition called bronchiolitis obliterans, which is sometimes known as “popcorn lung.” This condition is usually caused by breathing in irritating chemicals or other substances.

What’s the difference between bronchiolitis and bronchitis?

These two conditions not only sound similar, but they are similar in some ways. Both can be caused by a virus. Both affect the airways in the lungs, but bronchitis affects the larger airways (the bronchi). Bronchiolitis affects the smaller airways (bronchioles). Bronchitis usually affects older children and adults, while bronchiolitis is more common in younger children.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes bronchiolitis?

The viruses that cause most cases of bronchiolitis are the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the rhinovirus and the influenza (flu) virus. These viruses are very contagious and are spread from person to person by touching secretions from the mouth or nose or by respiratory droplets in the air. The droplets get into the air when someone sneezes or coughs.

What are the signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis?

Signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis resemble those of colds and flu. They include:

• Runny nose.
• Slight fever (under 101 F).
• Cough.
• Rapid or shallow breathing.
• Wheezing. This might be the first time that your child has wheezing. In bronchiolitis, this follows 3 days or so of the first three symptoms.

Your child might show more severe signs, including:

• Making grunting noises.
• Having trouble sucking and swallowing, which makes feeding difficult on top of having a poor appetite.
• Trying so hard to breathe that their chest retracts (the skin is drawn down tightly against the rib cage and looks like it is going inward).
• Turning blue or gray in the lips, fingertips or toes.
• Being sluggish.

If you see that these things are happening, call your healthcare provider immediately or take your child to an emergency room. This is also true if your child is showing signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, not urinating often and crying without producing tears. Dehydration is very serious in a young child.

How can you tell the difference between bronchiolitis and other diseases with the same symptoms?

Bronchiolitis does have symptoms that are similar to other lower respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. It also may seem like asthma, which is known to cause wheezing and trouble breathing. You might wonder if your child has aspirated (breathed in) something other than air. Any time that you notice that your child has problems breathing, you should call your healthcare provider. They are the ones who will be able to tell one kind of breathing issue from another.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is bronchiolitis diagnosed?

Your provider is probably very familiar with bronchiolitis. They will ask you questions like how long your child has been sick, if your child has a fever, and if your child has been around anyone else who has been sick.

The provider will examine your child and listen to their lungs. A pulse oximeter, an electronic device that can be placed painlessly on fingertips or toes, can find out how much oxygen there is in your child’s blood.

It’s not likely that more tests will be needed. If they are, they might include having a chest X-ray or sending a sample of mucus for testing. Your provider might order a urine test if it seems like your child might have a urinary tract infection.

Management and Treatment

How is bronchiolitis treated?

In most cases, bronchiolitis is not treated. Antibiotics will not help because this is a viral infection. You will be advised to keep your child hydrated as best you can.

Are there drugs to treat bronchiolitis?

Some doctors have used steroids, while others used inhaled bronchodilators to treat bronchiolitis. There is no hard evidence to show that these are useful. However, it is likely that research will continue to find ways to improve treatment. For instance, oxygen therapy is also being studied and is sometimes used.

What are complications related to bronchiolitis?

A common complication of bronchiolitis is an ear infection. Another less common complication is bacterial pneumonia.

A small percentage of children may need oxygen therapy or intravenous (IV) fluids, which would be given in the hospital. Bronchiolitis is the main reason that infants are hospitalized in the U.S., with about 100,000 hospital admissions per year. While bronchiolitis is manageable, it can also be life-threatening in rare cases, such as when it causes respiratory failure.

There are fewer than 100 children per year who die from bronchiolitis in the U.S. Globally, this number is about 200,000 per year.

What can you do at home to help your child with bronchiolitis?

You can try some things that might make your child feel better. These suggestions treat the symptoms, not the disease.

Breathing

For congestion, you can use saline nose drops that your provider or pharmacist recommends to make mucus thinner. If your child is 6 months old or younger, you can get mucus out of your child’s nose with a suction bulb. This involves squeezing the bulb before putting the tip gently into one nostril. When you slowly let go, mucus that is stuck will be drawn out because of the suction.

Your child might have an easier time breathing if they are sitting up. A humidifier will keep the air moist, which could help with breathing and coughing. Keep your child away from any kind of airborne irritant, like cigarette smoke, strong perfumes or strong-smelling cleaners.

Fever

For fever, your child can get the recommended dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for their age, but do not use any other cold treatments or other medications unless your provider tells you to do so. Do not give your child aspirin.

Feeding

Preventing dehydration is a significant part of keeping your child well. Make sure that your child gets enough liquid. They might prefer water or other clear liquids to milk or formula. They might not be hungry. You might find it easier to give smaller amounts of food or liquid at one time but increase the number of times you feed your child.

How long does bronchiolitis last?

The most uncomfortable period of bronchiolitis might last about seven to 10 days. Days three to five are often the worst days. Most children get better in 14 to 21 days if they are not dehydrated.

Can you have bronchiolitis more than once?

If you get bronchiolitis, you do pick up some immunity against RSV and other viruses. However, the immunity is not complete and you can become infected again.

Prevention

Can bronchiolitis be prevented?

Bronchiolitis can be spread by small children through close contact, saliva and mucus. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid others who are sick, and practice good hand washing. Until your child is better, keep him or her home from daycare and be sure to wash toys between uses. Do not share cups, forks or spoons.

In some cases, children may be given the RSV antibody palivizumab (Synagis®) to prevent RSV infections. This might happen if your healthcare provider thinks that your child is at a higher risk of having serious complications. Your child might be one of these if they have congenital heart defects or were very premature.

As with any type of medication, you should discuss palivizumab with your doctor so you understand what it is supposed to do, how and how often it is given and what the side effects might be. Also, you might want to check with your insurance provider to check on costs.

Living With

When do I call the doctor about bronchiolitis?

Call the doctor if your child:

• Is showing signs of breathing problems (nostrils flaring, squeezing of muscles under rib cage, rapid breathing).
• Is showing signs of dehydration (dry mouth, lack of tears when crying, decreased urination).
• Is lethargic (sluggish, tired).

Don’t be afraid to call your healthcare provider if your child doesn’t seem to be getting better or if you are worried about something and want answers.

Questions to ask your child’s doctor about bronchiolitis:

• Should I give my child medication? If so, for how long and at what times of the day?
• How should I store the medication? Should I refrigerate it?
• When will my child start to feel better?
• Will I need to bring my child back for a follow-up visit?
• Should I keep my child home from school or daycare?
• Should he or she be limited from certain activities? If so, which ones?
• Are there certain foods or liquids he or she should have or avoid?
• Which over-the-counter pain relievers do you recommend?
• Which over-the-counter medications/preparations do you not recommend?
• Which symptoms should I report to you/your office?

90,000 causes, signs, types, how to treat correctly, what complications and consequences can there be?

Elixir KODELAC ^® BRONCHO WITH THYMUS is suitable for the treatment of cough with difficult sputum discharge in both adults and children from 2 years of age.

More about KODELAC ^® BRONCHO …
There are contraindications. You need to get expert advice.

When buying cough remedies for a child, you need to pay attention to age restrictions.Modern antitussive drugs in different dosage forms and dosages are intended for children of different age groups.

More about cough drugs …

To relieve dry cough in children, depending on their age, antitussive drugs are used in different dosage forms – drops, syrup or tablets.

More …

A sucking barking cough in children is a common sign of damage to the upper respiratory tract with colds, as well as in a number of infectious diseases, including whooping cough.

How to help a child with a barking cough?

The preparation KODELAC ^® BRONCHO WITH THYMUS successfully combines the studied properties of synthetic molecules and the healing properties of medicinal herbs.

More about KODELAC ^® BRONCHO …
There are contraindications. You need to get expert advice.

Bronchitis is a common respiratory illness. In children, most often the disease is acute, has an infectious nature, which is due to the effect of respiratory viruses on the mucous membrane covering the bronchi from the inside.As with all respiratory diseases, viral bronchitis is characterized by a seasonal increase in the incidence, with a peak in the autumn-winter period. It should be noted that bronchial damage is more typical for children than for adults.

How to cure acute bronchitis in a child without harming the child? This will be discussed in our article.

Bronchitis and its symptoms in children

As the name of the disease suggests, it is characterized by inflammation of the bronchi, mucous membranes or the entire thickness of the bronchial walls.The cause of the inflammatory process can be infectious agents, allergens, as well as the negative impact of environmental factors – smog, dust particles, car exhaust, inhalation of chemical vapors and much more.

Depending on the cause that caused the development of the disease, infectious and non-infectious bronchitis are isolated.

• In the vast majority of cases, the cause of acute infectious bronchitis are respiratory viruses – influenza and ARVI viruses.Much less often, acute bronchitis has a bacterial or mixed viral-bacterial nature. As a rule, bacterial, or purulent, bronchitis is secondary. It develops against the background of the primary viral nature of the disease and, in fact, is its complication with inadequate or untimely treatment.
• A variety of non-infectious bronchitis is allergic, as well as caused by chemical or physical factors.

In terms of the duration and cyclicity of the inflammatory process occurring in the bronchi, bronchitis can be acute or chronic .

• For acute, “chest” cough with possible periodic discharge of sputum clots is typical. There may also be common symptoms characteristic of colds: fever, weakness, malaise, asthenia and other manifestations of intoxication. As a rule, the duration of acute bronchitis does not exceed 2-3 weeks.
• Chronic bronchitis is characterized by recurrent episodes of exacerbations throughout the year.

Among other things, as a result of a chronic inflammatory process, secondary changes in the structure of the bronchi occur and disorders of the respiratory function of the lungs are formed.Exacerbations of bronchitis in this form of the disease are repeated with a frequency of at least 3 times a year [1].

Acute bronchitis accounts for about 20% of all respiratory diseases in children [2]. Moreover, in children of early and junior preschool age, this indicator is even higher and reaches 30–40% [3]. For example, in children under 4 years of age, cases of acute bronchitis occur 2–4 times more often than in children of older age groups (7–15 years) [4].

Local immunity of the upper respiratory tract in children under 6 years of age is not yet fully formed, secretory immunoglobulin A and anti-inflammatory cytokines are synthesized in insufficient quantities.Therefore, infection in children from the nasopharynx and throat easily “descends” into the lower respiratory tract and causes inflammation [5]. Acute bronchitis is especially dangerous in the first 18 months of a child’s life. It was during this period that the formation of bronchioles and alveoli, the formation of local immunity, take place in his lungs [6].

Almost 90% of cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses [7]. Therefore, the chance of getting sick significantly increases in autumn and winter, during the period of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections [8].

Medical fact
There are about 200 types of different viruses that can cause acute inflammation of the bronchi [9].Most often these are influenza viruses of types A and B, parainfluenza, coronavirus infection, rhinoviruses or respiratory syncytial infection [10].

When an infectious agent enters the bronchial mucosa, an inflammatory process begins. The body produces a large amount of biologically active substances, cytokines and inflammatory mediators [11]. The inflamed mucous membrane swells, increasing in thickness. As a result, the internal lumen of the bronchi narrows, which can lead to impaired ventilation of the lungs and difficulty breathing.This aspect needs to be given increased attention, especially in young children. Even minor inflammation of the bronchial mucosa can cause respiratory failure.

In parallel, under the influence of the irritating effect of viruses and the developing inflammatory process, the mucous secretion of the bronchi begins to be more actively produced. With its help, under normal conditions, the bronchi independently cleanse themselves from the inside from foreign agents that have fallen on their surface. However, with inflammation, the evacuation work of the bronchial mucosa is disrupted, and the excretion of secretion becomes difficult.As a result, mucus accumulates in the lumen of the bronchi, hides, becomes thick and viscous. This is how pathological sputum is formed, consisting of mucous secretions, dead cells of the bronchial mucosa, microbes and their waste products. Sputum serves as a good breeding ground and substrate for bacteria to multiply. Therefore, stagnation of sputum in the bronchi threatens the risk of developing secondary bacterial complications, such as purulent bronchitis or pneumonia.

In this regard, in the treatment of bronchitis in children, the complex of therapeutic actions should be aimed at the earliest possible fight against inflammation, as well as dilution and stimulation of sputum discharge from the bronchi.

A typical symptom of bronchitis in children is coughing. It is often the only manifestation of the disease. Attacks, as a rule, come “from the depths” of the chest and can be combined with discomfort behind the sternum. The cough may be with little or no phlegm. In childhood, the process of expectoration is much more complicated than in adults – the sputum in children is more viscous, and the respiratory muscles that push the mucous masses are not yet sufficiently developed. Weak force of cough shocks, anatomically narrow lumen of the bronchi, accompanied by bronchitis with additional bronchospasm and mucosal edema, impede the excretion of sputum.That is why the treatment of cough for bronchitis in children should be comprehensive, aimed at both thinning thick sputum and stimulating the expectoration process itself, as well as combating inflammation and spasm of the smooth muscles of the bronchi.

In addition to coughing, the manifestations of bronchitis in a child may also be:

• a slight increase in temperature;
• weakness, asthenia;
• decreased activity, appetite;
• deterioration of the general condition [12].

Young children cannot say exactly what worries them, but they become capricious, irritable, lethargic [13].

Consequences of the disease

Incorrect or untimely treatment of bronchitis in a child can lead to the development of complications, a protracted course of the disease or its transition to a chronic form. The most formidable complication of bronchitis is pneumonia. Often, acute bronchitis can be combined with inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract and ENT organs – sinusitis, otitis media, or tonsillitis [14].

If the inflammatory process in the bronchi is prolonged, the very structure of the mucous membrane may change [15].In this case, its irreversible deformation occurs, which becomes a predisposing factor for the development of asthma and / or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Therefore, do not expect acute bronchitis to go away on its own. It is necessary to promptly seek help from a pediatrician and then strictly follow his recommendations.

How to properly treat bronchitis in a child: features of therapy

To cure bronchitis in a child, it is necessary to provide him with conditions conducive to a speedy recovery, and to select the appropriate medications.

The baby should be provided with rest and half-bed rest. The air in the room should be warm, but it is recommended to ventilate the room several times a day. For the duration of the airing, the child should either be taken out of the room, or covered with a blanket and turned with his back to the window.

It is advisable that the air is not too dry, especially in winter. To maintain optimal air humidity, you can use special ready-made humidifiers or improvised means, for example, put a container with water near the heating devices or hang the heating radiators with a damp cloth and change it periodically.In the diet of a child with bronchitis, there should be enough protein, in addition, you can give multivitamins [16].

Of the medicines, etiotropic therapy means are used – antiviral drugs and / or antibiotics, depending on the type of pathogen that caused the disease. A wide palette of symptomatic agents is also used – antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic and expectorant drugs. It is optimal to use 2-3 drugs, which together have all the listed properties.

On average, acute bronchitis in children is treated for 1-2 weeks, if there are no complications or factors predisposing to them. The duration of taking the drugs is indicated in the instructions and may differ slightly from the timing of the disease itself.

Medicines for children

Increased demands are made on medicines for children. They must be safe, and the difference between the therapeutic and toxic dose must be as large as possible. This reduces the risk of developing adverse events in case of overdose if the drug is unintentionally taken.

Medicines for children should be easy to take and use in babies, therefore, liquid forms of release (drops, syrups, suspensions) or suppositories are preferred. In syrups, it is desirable to minimize the presence of alcohol, sugar, flavors, dyes, and other ingredients that carry a potential risk of developing allergic reactions. Often, the basis of children’s preparations is formed by natural ingredients, in particular, herbal remedies and extracts of medicinal herbs. As we have already said, it is better to use combination drugs that contain several components aimed at a complex therapeutic effect.

A common mistake in the treatment of bronchitis is the uncontrolled widespread use of antibacterial drugs. Since in the overwhelming majority of cases, acute bronchitis is caused by viruses, treatment should be started with antiviral drugs. Antibiotics should only be used as directed by a physician. They are prescribed only for bronchitis of a confirmed bacterial nature, with complications and in the presence of chronic foci of infection [17].

Notes
About 86.6% of families in Russia buy and use antibiotics on their own, without consulting a physician or pediatrician.Most often, such self-medication with antibacterial drugs is carried out with acute respiratory infections and coughs. Taking antibiotics does not reduce or prevent the risk of developing bacterial complications of viral bronchitis, does not affect the duration of the disease, but it can lead to dysbiosis, antibiotic-associated diarrhea and other stool disorders, as well as to the appearance in the body of bacteria resistant to the action of antibacterial drugs [ eighteen].

It is advisable to use antiviral agents, interferons or immunomodulatory drugs that stimulate the production of its own interferons in the body [19].Especially if ARVI began with damage to the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). These drugs include “Arbidol”, “Grippferon”, “Genferon Light”, “Viferon”, “Amiksin”.

It is best to use them from the very first days of the disease, optimally – in the first 48 hours after the onset of the initial symptoms of a cold. It is necessary to strictly follow the dosage regimen, which is indicated in the instructions for medical use of these drugs. For children, there are special children’s forms and dosages of these drugs, each of which can be used from a certain age of the child.This point must be clarified before buying a medicine.

For cough and acute bronchitis in children, drugs are also used that reduce the severity of inflammation in the airways and in the bronchial mucosa. One of the most popular active substances is fenspiride (funds based on it: “Erespal”, “Erispirus”, “Sirep” and others). For children, these drugs are produced in the form of a syrup.

Relief of cough and removal of phlegm from the bronchi are the main directions of therapy for acute bronchitis in children.They help prevent the addition of a secondary bacterial infection, improve the child’s condition, reduce the duration of treatment and prevent complications [20].

It should be especially noted that in case of bronchitis, it is not recommended to use antitussives that suppress or inhibit the cough reflex. Suppression of cough interferes with the normal discharge of phlegm from the bronchi, contributes to its stagnation and carries a potential risk of complications. The early use of mucolytics is recommended, stimulating the cleansing of the bronchi [21] and promoting the early transition of cough from unproductive or unproductive to productive cough with sputum.The most popular mucolytic substances are ambroxol, bromhexine, and acetylcysteine. The basic principle of action of all mucolytics is to liquefy viscous thick phlegm. The transition of sputum to a liquid state already facilitates its discharge.

However, this may not be enough for children. Weak force of cough shocks and an unformed expectoration skill can create prerequisites for poor discharge of even liquid sputum and, as a result, the risk of “waterlogging” of the lungs. Therefore, treatment is often supplemented with the use of expectorants that actively stimulate the excretion of sputum from the bronchi.Most of these products are of plant origin – thyme (thyme), marshmallow, thermopsis, ivy leaf extract, plantain, etc. Plant extracts are part of many drugs that are used to treat bronchitis in children. For example, “Codelac Broncho with thyme”, “Bronchikum”, “Prospan” and others.

It should also be noted that among mucolytics, the molecules of bromhexine and ambroxol have an expectorant potential.

Separately, it is worth considering the group of combined drugs for the treatment of bronchitis in children.They contain several components at once and at the same time have a complex effect – mucolytic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and even antiviral action.

Examples of such drugs are Ascoril expectorant and Codelac Broncho. The first drug contains bromhexine, guaifenesin and salbutamol. “Ascoril expectorant” promotes liquefaction of phlegm and its excretion, has a bronchodilator and mucolytic effect. It is released from pharmacies only by doctor’s prescription, since the drug has a prescription status.

“Codelac Broncho” is available in two dosage forms – elixir and tablets, slightly different in their composition. Elixir “Codelac broncho with thyme” is approved for use in children from 2 years of age and has three main components – ambroxol, glycyrate (obtained from licorice root) and thyme herb extract. Tablets “Codelac broncho” can be used in children from 12 years old and also have a multicomponent composition – ambroxol, glycyrate, thermopsis and sodium bicarbonate. In the complex, the drugs have mucolytic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.At the same time, the active substances in it are contained in a carefully calibrated dosage – the components enhance each other’s action [22].

When treating acute bronchitis in children, it is important to provide the child with care and the right medication. Drugs for removing phlegm and antiviral drugs can be used from the very first days of illness. In this case, drugs of complex action are preferable. But antibiotics should be taken only after examination by a pediatrician.

Bronchitis in children.How dangerous is it and how to treat it? in Novosibirsk

“Barking” cough, hoarse breathing, fever are terrible signs of bronchitis that frighten many parents. How to treat this disease, and most importantly to prevent its occurrence, Asya Anatolyevna Barashkova , pediatrician, told.

Bronchitis is a disease of the respiratory system, in which the bronchi are involved in the inflammatory process. Often it is his signs that make people see a doctor.Acute bronchitis is predominantly a manifestation or complication of an acute respiratory viral or viral bacterial infection. It can also appear when the mucous membrane of the bronchi is affected, due to ARVI.

Chronic bronchitis develops as a complication of acute, or as a result of prolonged exposure to non-infectious irritants, such as dust. Recurrent bronchitis is sometimes isolated. Such a diagnosis is made if a person fell ill at least 3 times during the year.

Bronchitis in children

Acute bronchitis is most common in children.There are several types:

• simple, without obstruction, can occur in a child at any age;
• obstructive, with impaired bronchial patency. Most often diagnosed in children 2-3 years of age;
• obliterating, with damage to small bronchi, bronchioles, as well as alveoli, leading to obliteration of their lumen. Usually associated with adenoviruses or immune system abnormalities.
• bronchiolitis – narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi due to changes in the structure of the bronchial epithelium.It is accompanied by respiratory failure. Unlike obliterating bronchitis, the changes are reversible.

The symptoms of bronchitis often depend on the cause of its occurrence. Usually, signs of the disease appear in children after the onset of an acute respiratory viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (rhinitis, pharyngitis, etc.). The main symptoms of acute bronchitis are cough and fever. With obstructive bronchitis, signs of respiratory failure appear: shortness of breath, cyanosis (blue skin and mucous membranes), shortness of breath.Shortness of breath is not typical for acute simple bronchitis. Older children may complain of headache, sore throat, tightness and burning sensation behind the breastbone.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of acute bronchitis is based on the child’s complaints, the results of an objective examination and additional examination methods, such as a complete blood count, sputum examination, X-ray examination, spirography and others. Our Center has a full range of these services, which helps us to quickly determine the diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease, as well as relieving symptoms, mainly through inhalation of drugs. Antibiotics are prescribed only when needed.

In addition to medication, it is important to take care of your child: give him more drink, prepare light and nutritious food, do not forget about hygiene and ventilation. At a later stage of the disease, physiotherapy and herbal medicine are possible.

With a persistent cough, the child’s condition can be relieved with the help of hot foot baths, alcohol compresses on the chest, etc. In the recovery period, the appointment by courses of the so-called bacterial lysates and multivitamins is shown.

Prevention

It is important to remember that the best treatment is prevention! It includes vaccination against childhood infectious diseases, against which bronchitis, influenza develop, against pneumococcal and hemophilic infections.

We wish you and your children health in the New Year! Spend this time with your family, because the New Year holidays are the best time to relax together, gain strength and enter the next year in a good mood!

How to treat bronchitis in children? Acute, chronic.4 care tips

Every year about 10% of children develop bronchitis. Most often, the smallest suffer – babies three to five years old. The disease usually develops as a complication after a cold or flu. However, not all parents know which bronchitis treatment is correct.

In this article, we will tell you how to prevent this disease, and when faced, not bring it to serious consequences.

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. Bronchi is one of the elements of the human respiratory system. Along with the larynx, trachea and lungs, the bronchi belong to the lower respiratory tract. It is impossible to examine the bronchi with the naked eye – they are hidden in the chest, approximately at the level of 5-6 of the thoracic vertebra.

The bronchi carry oxygen to the alveoli from the trachea. Moreover, they clean it from bacteria, dust particles and even some toxic impurities. Thanks to the bronchi, the body already receives warm and humid air – therefore it is so important to monitor their condition.Especially in the smallest – children’s immunity is still very weak, and the muscles of the respiratory tract are not strong enough.

What is childhood bronchitis?

In order for parents to understand how to cure bronchitis in children, you should first find out what kind of ailment you are facing. Pediatricians identify three types of bronchitis in children.

1. Infectious.
2. Allergic.
3. Mechanical.

Infectious bronchitis is the most common.99% of childhood bronchitis are infectious in nature. Here, microbes entering the child’s body through the nose or throat are to blame. The mucous membrane of the bronchi is very fond of the influenza virus, therefore it is the flu that most often causes bronchitis.

Allergic bronchitis occurs as a reaction of the child’s body to allergens – irritating substances. These can be gasoline vapors, carbon monoxide, dust, household chemicals or animal dander.

Mechanical bronchitis is diagnosed when foreign bodies, such as crumbs, enter the bronchi.They start to decompose and can cause inflammation.
The inflammatory process in the bronchi can develop and proceed in different ways. Depending on its duration and cyclicality, children’s bronchitis is acute or chronic . We will tell you about the symptoms and methods of treatment for each of them below.

Acute and chronic bronchitis in children – which is more dangerous?

In most cases, children suffer from acute bronchitis. Its symptoms are very similar to SARS.The kid coughs, sniffles, complains of a sore throat. “Chest” cough, fever, weakness and malaise are complemented by phlegm – a kind of “companion” of bronchitis.

As a rule, children get sick with acute bronchitis no more than two to three weeks. With proper and timely treatment, babies can easily tolerate the disease and do not suffer from complications later. We will talk about the methods of treating childhood acute bronchitis further.

Chronic bronchitis requires increased attention from parents.It is one of the most intractable diseases. The cough is observed for a long time, the sputum is separated poorly, it is purulent. In children, such bronchitis is diagnosed much less frequently than in adults.

How to treat bronchitis in children?

Children’s doctors say: bronchitis and antibiotics in 99% of cases have nothing to do with each other. Acute bronchitis is a consequence of a viral infection, and antibiotics are not required here. A doctor may prescribe them if they find signs of a bacterial infection.

Parents must understand once and for all: prescribing antibiotics for acute bronchitis will not decrease, but increase the likelihood of complications in your child. Therefore, do not ask your pediatrician for a prescription for antibiotics.

Then how to help the child? Not to watch how he suffers, “coughing” the chest? – parents will say. As the doctors themselves note, in this case only mothers and fathers will be able to put the child on his feet, providing the baby with comfortable care. Here are four guidelines:

No. 1.Give your child plenty of fluids to help him or her sputum.
No. 2. Watch the air – the room should be moderately humid and cool.
No. 3. Ventilate the area regularly.
No. 4. Give your child a massage so that phlegm is cleared from the bronchi more quickly. Important: if the baby has a fever, it is better to postpone the procedure.

We’ve dealt with acute bronchitis. Is chronic bronchitis “amenable” to treatment?

The main reason for the development of chronic bronchitis is the baby’s tendency to frequent infectious diseases and a critically low level of immunity. It is possible to treat bronchitis in children only by a complex method. After examining the child, the doctor will prescribe additional medical procedures along with medications.

Halotherapy (salt rooms), physiotherapy, therapeutic massage, breathing exercises – these techniques increase the protective functions of the child’s body and have a beneficial effect on the respiratory system. Comprehensively, such programs can be found in sanatoriums.

A special health-improving program for the treatment of respiratory organs has been developed at the Mashuk Aqua-Therm sanatorium.In unique natural conditions – the purest air of the Caucasian mountains, mineral waters, pine forest – the treatment of chronic childhood bronchitis is most effective.

For each child, the course of treatment in the sanatorium is determined strictly individually.

Health to you and your children!

90,000 Bronchitis in children – symptoms, causes, treatment

Children’s bronchitis is a very common and not at all harmless disease that causes concern among many parents.What leads to the appearance of the disease, how to cure bronchitis in a child, what should not be done is described in our article.

What is this disease? This is the name of the inflammatory process in the bronchi – an important part of the respiratory system. These hollow tubes connect the trachea to the lung parenchyma. The disease can be acute or chronic.

The defeat of the bronchi is more characteristic of children. Babies under 6 years old do not yet have full-fledged local immunity that would protect their upper respiratory tract from infections, as a result of which viruses and bacteria, entering through the nose, immediately sink lower, which leads to the development of inflammation in the bronchi.This disease is most dangerous in the first one and a half years of a baby’s life. During this period, the most important parts of the respiratory system, alveoli and bronchioles, are formed and strengthened. The inflammation can have serious consequences.

What is obstructive bronchitis?

First, let’s find out what obstructive bronchitis is and how it differs from the primary one. Often, parents do not understand what is the difference between the two diagnoses.

The primary form of the disease develops rapidly, the symptoms are always pronounced, characteristic stages of the disease can be identified, and its beginning and end can be clearly identified.An unproductive dry cough eventually transforms into a productive wet cough, the secret is freely evacuated from the bronchi, the child recovers.

Obstructive bronchitis is a complicated inflammatory process in which the bronchi spasm and the excretion of mucus accumulated in them becomes difficult. As a result, due to the accumulation of secretions, the respiratory function is disturbed, the disease is delayed. Without timely medical care, there is a high likelihood of complications.

Symptoms of bronchitis

It is important for parents to distinguish the first signs of bronchitis in a child so as not to write them off as a simple ARVI and seek medical help in time.Symptoms of the disease include:

• attacks of violent coughing that worsens in the evening;
• hoarse and wheezing breathing;
• shortness of breath;
• chest pain.

Classic cold symptoms are also possible – muscle aches, weakness, fever. The disease often begins with a dry, hacking cough, which later transforms into a productive cough, with periodic sputum discharge. Obstructive cough is also wet, but unproductive – the secret is practically not separated, which is why the coughing attack is longer and more painful.

Causes of bronchitis

The disease can be infectious and non-infectious in nature:

1. Infectious bronchitis can be viral or bacterial. Viral is the most common. The disease develops due to infection with an acute respiratory viral infection or influenza virus. Less commonly, bacteria are the cause of inflammation. As a rule, a bacterial infection is secondary, that is, it develops as a complication due to untimely or incorrect treatment of ARVI.
2. Non-infectious can develop with allergies or are caused by certain physical or chemical factors.

As with colds, this disease is seasonal. The number of sick children increases markedly with the onset of cold weather – in autumn, winter and early spring. If inflammation is not treated, the pathology turns into a sluggish chronic form with several periods of exacerbation per year. You already know how to recognize bronchitis in your baby.Therefore, if you observe the above symptoms in a child, you should definitely make an appointment with a pediatrician.

How is bronchitis diagnosed and treated in a child

If your baby is coughing, do not self-medicate, contact the pediatrician at the Daily Medical clinic – our specialists have the appropriate level of knowledge and experience, which allows them to establish the true cause of the cough and prescribe the correct treatment.

Many pediatricians, after establishing the cause of the baby’s cough, immediately prescribe antibiotic therapy.Unfortunately, prescribing an antibiotic for bronchitis in children is not always correct, because, as you already know, viruses often cause it, and they are insensitive to antibiotics. Before prescribing medications, the specialists of the Daily Medical clinic perform a full examination, which helps them to establish what exactly caused the inflammation of the bronchi.

Diagnosis of bronchitis occurs in several stages:

1. The doctor listens to complaints and asks clarifying questions. First of all, the doctor needs to find out if the child has communicated with someone who has signs of SARS or flu.
2. This is followed by listening to the baby’s chest for wheezing and noises when breathing.
3. Afterwards, to clarify the diagnosis, the little patient is sent for laboratory tests, which you can go directly to our clinic – this is very convenient, because you will not need to take the baby across the city to a specialized laboratory.
4. Also, in some cases, radiography, spirography, bronchoscopy and other studies are prescribed.

Based on the results of the diagnosis, treatment is prescribed.Drug therapy is prescribed taking into account the detected pathogen: viruses – antiviral drugs, bacteria – antibiotics, fungi – antifungal drugs. If the disease is of an allergic nature, antihistamines are prescribed. Often parents are interested in how to treat obstructive bronchitis for a child, because this disease lasts longer than usual, and babies suffer from an unproductive cough. In this case, inhalations are prescribed to the main drug therapy. Their main task is to help the body get rid of mucus accumulated in the bronchi.

Steam inhalation for bronchitis from coughing is not particularly effective, although very beloved by many parents. Steam from a decoction of medicinal plants (chamomile, coltsfoot, mint, oregano, thyme) is good for inflammation in the nasopharynx. Inflammation of the bronchi is located deeper, so there is simply no steam there.

For the treatment of bronchial inflammation, a special device is required – a nebulizer. It breaks down the medicinal fluid into tiny particles, turning it into a mist, which, during the procedure, reaches even the most distant parts of the lungs.On the Internet, you can find many tips on what you can do inhalation with a nebulizer. In particular, mothers actively recommend each other procedures with Borjomi. However, doctors warn: do not use non-sterile solutions in the nebulizer. These include herbal tinctures, mineral water and regular tap water. This can cause serious harm to health, and in some situations even lead to life-threatening situations. Talk to your Daily Medical pediatrician who will prescribe the right medication and solution for you to inhale using a nebulizer.

Possible complications of bronchitis if left untreated

Obstructive bronchitis in children is a very serious disease. If treated incorrectly or not treated at all, in a short time, this will lead to the development of serious complications. The bronchi clogged with mucus interfere with normal breathing, the child begins to experience shortness of breath, it is difficult for him to inhale and exhale. Congestion can also lead to pneumonia, as a result of the development of a bacterial infection.

Over time, serious changes occur in the structure of the bronchi, which leads to the development of bronchial asthma.This serious illness in some cases is life threatening and needs constant monitoring.

Now you know, if bronchitis is not treated, it can have serious consequences. Contact us if you notice the first signs of the disease in your child in order to receive timely and competent medical care.

Repeated bronchitis in a child | Official site Sanatorium-resort complex DiLUCH

The main → Repeated bronchitis in a child

Bronchitis is an inflammatory disease of the lower respiratory tract.This disease is acute and chronic. What is recurrent bronchitis? By what signs can this diagnosis be recognized, and is it possible to avoid it?

Symptoms of bronchitis in a child

The most common symptom of bronchitis in children is a lingering cough. Quite often, it remains the only symptom of the disease. Coughing fits start somewhere deep in the chest, cause significant discomfort and cause a lot of anxiety in adults. As mentioned above, a cough can either be accompanied by sputum production, or it can proceed completely without it.

In addition to coughing fits, symptoms of bronchitis include:

• Slight increase in body temperature
• Apathy and general weakness of the child
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy, irritability and anxiety.

When observing the above signs of pathology, it is necessary to seek the advice of specialists in order to prevent the development of the disease and to avoid negative consequences. One such consequence is pneumonia (pneumonia).In addition to it, neglected repeated bronchitis can cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and ENT organs, such as tonsillitis, otitis media and others.

Recurrent bronchitis in children

First of all, you need to figure out under what circumstances bronchitis can be considered recurrent? If a child suffers the disease at least two to three times a year, and concomitant ARVI symptoms are observed, we can talk about recurrent bronchitis.

Unfortunately, the disease often becomes chronic if there are factors such as:

• Birth trauma or difficult pregnancy for the mother
• Chronic diseases of ENT organs such as sinusitis, tonsillitis and others
• Hereditary bronchopulmonary diseases
• Immunodeficiency
• Allergy
• Unfavorable environmental conditions: frequent smoke, polluted air, too high or low air humidity.

Recurrent bronchitis in children can be one of two types:

1. recurrent obstructive
2. recurrent non-obstructive.

Depending on the form, the disease has slightly different symptoms, and the methods of treatment may also differ from each other.

Recurrent obstructive bronchitis in children

Chronic obstructive bronchitis in children has a number of striking symptoms that are easy enough to notice.When these signals appear, it is imperative to consult a doctor in order to examine the baby and prescribe a competent treatment.

Obstructive bronchitis in children symptoms:

• Cough. It is especially worse at night or in the morning, and may be accompanied by a whistling sound. The disease begins with a dry cough, but phlegm gradually appears.
• Increased body temperature. However, it rises no higher than 37.5, since the immune system can give a weak reaction.
• Shortness of breath. In the early stages of the disease, it manifests itself during physical exertion, but as the disease progresses, it also occurs at rest.
• Anxiety and fatigue, loss of appetite and moodiness.
• Babies under one year old may experience vomiting, blueing of the tip of the nose and ears.

The biggest discomfort that bronchitis causes is breathing difficulties. It can lead to many negative consequences, including loss of consciousness and even death.Therefore, in no case should the signs of bronchitis be ignored, especially when it comes to young children whose immune systems are not yet sufficiently developed.

Acute bronchitis in a child

Acute bronchitis in a child is a very common disease. It occurs especially often during the off-season, when, due to heavy rains, the humidity of the air rises. In addition, the factors against which the disease develops well can be sudden changes in air temperature, especially a cold snap.

Usually, the course of the disease follows approximately one scenario:

1. The child complains of weakness and becomes lethargic and anxious. Appetite disappears.
2. Headache and dry cough appear. Gradually, wheezing may appear in the chest area. A slight and strong increase in body temperature.
3. After about 6-7 days, the cough becomes moist. And this is a good sign, since sputum indicates that the body is managing to fight the infection.

With proper treatment, acute bronchitis lasts from one week to three. However, the timing of the disease is very individual and depends on many factors. Untreated, advanced bronchitis can lead to serious complications.

Consequences of bronchitis in children

As in the case of any other disease, the consequences are always much more complex and less treatable than the disease itself. Therefore, in the case of recurrent bronchitis, it is especially important to start the correct treatment with antibiotics on time, preventing the development of the disease.

The most common causes of complications in bronchitis in children:

• Incorrect or untimely treatment
• Genetic diseases
• Inflammatory processes of other systems of the child’s body
• Unfavorable living conditions: air pollution, high humidity, stress and poor ecology

As for the possible consequences of the disease, at a young age the residual effects after bronchitis are especially dangerous.Respiratory dysfunction can lead to even the most negative outcomes.

Possible consequences of bronchitis include:

1. Disorders of the heart. They can be caused by a lack of oxygen.
2. Bronchial asthma. This disease is often caused by a complication of obstructive bronchitis and is very common in children.
3. Bronchial obstruction. It is characterized by shortness of breath, shortness of breath and swelling in the chest.
4. Pneumonia.Often occurs as a result of infection from the bronchi into the lungs.
5. Emphysema. A chronic condition that results in a loss of elasticity in the lungs. It is quite rare in children, however, the likelihood still exists.
6. Sinusitis and otitis media. The infection can easily spread to neighboring ENT organs.

Specialists of the medical center of the sanatorium “DiLUCH” recommend that you be attentive to your health and your loved ones! We are glad to come to your aid at any time of the year.

Bronchitis: symptoms, treatment in children

Often, bronchitis in children appears against the background of viral infections, severe colds, in case of hypothermia or flu. The development of bronchitis is provoked by sudden changes in temperature. Due to high humidity due to frequent rains, the peak of the disease occurs in autumn and spring. Children’s bronchitis is acute, protracted and recurrent.

Depending on the pathogen, bronchitis is distinguished:

• viral;
• bacterial;
• allergic.

The main symptom of developing bronchitis is a strong dry cough, which occurs in attacks, accompanied by shortness of breath and shortness of breath. After a while, a dry cough turns into a wet one, with the release of sputum from the mucous membrane, which is very good, since the body is fighting the infection.

Treatment bronchitis, treatment symptoms in children:

• dry cough;
• dry mouth;
• decreased appetite;
• increased body temperature;
• grunting breathing with shortness of breath;
• fine bubbling rales are heard in the lungs;
• deterioration in the general condition of the child;
• restless sleep, agitation;
• blood test shows a high level of leukocytes and an increase in ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).

Treatment of bronchitis in children

In case of bronchitis in infants, urgent hospitalization is required. To relieve symptoms, it is necessary to create a comfortable environment: moist, clean air. If bronchitis is not accompanied by a fever, you can use warming ointments on the child’s legs. If the child has allergic reactions, it is necessary to exclude all creams and ointments. To relieve coughing, steam inhalation is done. It is necessary to force the child to drink as often as possible to prevent dehydration.When diagnosing bronchitis and its symptoms, the doctor prescribes a complex of treatment for the child, which includes: antipyretic drugs, cough medicines, expectorants, compresses.

Medicines for coughs are selected individually, and depend on the type of cough. Doctors advise that infants who cannot cough up their throat on their own often shift from one side to the other, thus, sputum moving along the walls of the bronchi, causes a reflex cough. Antibiotics are indicated if the child’s temperature does not drop within 4 days, accompanied by severe cough and severe intoxication.In order for an antibiotic to properly fight bronchitis, you need to follow the intake schedule. If, on the recommendation of a doctor, the antibiotic must be taken 3 times a day, this means that every 8 hours a new portion of the antibacterial agent must enter the body.

To identify or recognize bronchitis, symptoms, treatment in children is sometimes very difficult. To do this, you need to seek help from doctors who will help you correctly determine the diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment. You can make an appointment with our specialists on our website.

90,000 Obstructive bronchitis: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Bronchitis is one of the most common respiratory diseases. Adults and children suffer from it. One of its forms – obstructive bronchitis brings a lot of anxiety and discomfort, since becoming a chronic form requires treatment for life. If a person does not seek medical help in a timely manner, brushing off the signals given by the body, serious dangers await him.

Obstructive bronchitis is characterized by the fact that not only the bronchial mucosa is inflamed, but also damaged, the tissues swell, spasm of the walls of the organ develops, and mucus accumulates in it. In this case, the vascular wall thickens, the lumen narrows. This makes breathing difficult, complicates normal ventilation of the lungs, and prevents sputum from passing out. Over time, a person is diagnosed with respiratory failure.

Reasons

The main factors contributing to the development of chronic obstructive bronchitis are smoking (passive and active), occupational risks (contact with silicon, cadmium), air pollution (mainly sulfur dioxide), etc.

The risk group for the development of chronic obstructive bronchitis includes miners, construction workers, metallurgical and agricultural industries, railway workers, office workers associated with printing on laser printers, etc. Men are more likely to develop chronic obstructive bronchitis.

Symptoms

A symptom such as a cough with phlegm often occurs in the morning, during the transition from a state of rest to physical activity, when leaving a warm room to the cold.Outside of a bacterial exacerbation of obstructive bronchitis, mucous sputum, with superinfection, has a mucopurulent or purulent character of symptoms.

A symptom such as shortness of breath during physical exertion increases gradually. This symptom of obstructive bronchitis increases with an infectious exacerbation of obstructive bronchitis. Gradually, the patient notes the symptoms of difficulty in exhaling, first after significant physical exertion or during forced exhalation, later during normal exertion and even at rest.Signs of obstructive bronchitis appear: distant dry wheezing or whistling, audible or palpable when the palm is applied to the chest.

Also during the period of an infectious exacerbation of obstructive bronchitis, subfebrile body temperature, fatigue, sweating, as well as pain in various muscle groups associated with their overstrain when coughing are noted.

Diagnostics

When tapping (percussion) of the chest, a box sound, a decrease in the mobility of the lower pulmonary edge and expansion of the lungs are determined.

At auscultation (listening) of the lungs, a hard shade of vesicular breathing and lengthening of exhalation are determined.

A characteristic auscultatory sign of obstructive bronchitis is dry wheezing.

Along with disorders of the respiratory system in patients with obstructive bronchitis, tachycardia, high blood pressure, signs of hypercapnia (excess carbon dioxide in the blood) can be detected.

In obstructive bronchitis, general and bacteriological analysis of sputum, general blood count, spirography, pneumotachometry, peak flowmetry are also prescribed.Electrocardiography helps diagnose an enlargement of the right side of the heart.