Bronchitis in children: symptoms, causes and treatment

Bronchitis in children is an inflammation of the bronchi, the structures responsible for carrying oxygen to and from the lungs. This can lead to symptoms such as a persistent dry or productive cough, fever, and excessive fatigue.

This inflammation is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, but it can also be caused by asthma or overexposure to dust or pollution.

If a child develops signs and symptoms of bronchitis, it is important to consult a pediatrician for evaluation and guidance on the best type of treatment, which usually includes medications to relieve symptoms as well as antibiotics, depending on the causative factor.

Symptoms of bronchitis in children

The main symptoms of bronchitis in children are:

• Persistent dry or productive cough;
• Difficulty breathing;
• making noises while breathing (wheezing);
• tiredness and irritability;
• general malaise and weakness;
• Vomiting or retching;
• chest pain;
• fever in some cases;
• A runny nose, usually before a cough begins.

Whenever a child develops symptoms of bronchitis, it is important to consult a pediatrician so that the diagnosis can be diagnosed and the most appropriate treatment can be started. Check out other symptoms of bronchitis.

How to confirm diagnosis

The diagnosis of bronchitis in children is made by a pediatrician by evaluating symptoms and performing a physical exam, in which he or she listens to the lungs and the doctor listens for wheezing while breathing.

Additionally, he or she may order a chest X-ray, measure oxygen with an oximeter, and in some cases, primarily when a bacterial infection is suspected, perform a sputum culture to identify the bacteria causing the infection. Find out what a sputum test is.

possible reason

Bronchitis in children is most often caused by a viral infection, so it lasts for several weeks and is called acute bronchitis.

However, bronchitis can also be considered chronic when symptoms persist for at least 3 months, and is often caused by exposure to pollution, allergies, asthma, exposure to smoke or cigarette smoke, etc.

How treatment works

If your child is showing symptoms of bronchitis, it’s a good idea to take him to a pediatrician to make a proper diagnosis and start treatment. It is important that your child gets as much rest as possible and is well hydrated as recovery will be faster this way.

Generally, your doctor does not recommend antibiotics, especially since bronchitis is often caused by a virus. In most cases, it is only recommended to use paracetamol and/or ibuprofen if the child has a fever or pain, and for children over 4 years of age, some cough medicine is recommended, or in spray or nebulizer form if available Drug. noise.

It is important not to give any type of medication without first consulting your pediatrician. Regarding the production of phlegm, doctors usually do not recommend the use of any type of medication, since it is important for the child to expel phlegm that blocks the respiratory system.

In addition to keeping your child hydrated, fed, and rested, keep your child’s head and chest slightly elevated when they lie down, as this can make breathing easier. Another helpful home treatment is to place a humidifier in your child’s room, which will help drain the discharge.