What is acute bronchitis? Acute bronchitis (brong-KEYE-tis) is when the air passages of the lungs become irritated and swollen. This irritation may cause coughing and other breathing problems. Some people call bronchitis a "chest cold." Acute bronchitis happens most often during the winter. It often starts because of an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold or the flu. The illness spreads from your child's nose and throat to the windpipe and airways, causing bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is usually not a serious illness. The illness lasts about 5 days to 2 weeks, although the coughing can continue for several weeks. In healthy children, acute bronchitis usually goes away on its own.
What causes acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is often caused by an infection. The infections that lead to bronchitis are usually caused by a type of germ called a virus. It is sometimes caused by other kinds of germs, such as bacteria (bak-TEE-ree-ah), yeast, or a fungus. Acute bronchitis may also be caused by breathing air that has chemical fumes (vapors), dust, or smoke. Living in an area that has bad air pollution may cause bronchitis to happen more often. Your child may also be more likely to get bronchitis if he is often around someone who smokes.
Your child may be more likely to get bronchitis if he has other medical problems. Examples include asthma, allergies, sinus problems, heart problems, or frequent problems with swollen tonsils. Babies who are premature (born too early) may be at higher risk for bronchitis. Your child's caregiver may suggest that your child have special shots (vaccinations) if he has certain medical problems. Vaccinations (vak-si-NAY-shuns) against certain germs may help to decrease the chance of a serious lung infection in high-risk children.
What are the signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis?
The most common sign of acute bronchitis is a frequent cough. It often starts as a dry cough. Within a few days, it may turn into a productive cough. A productive cough is one that brings up mucus from the lungs. Your child's cough may be worse during the night. He may gag or vomit because of his cough, or if he swallows a lot of mucus. He may have chest pain when he coughs or takes a deep breath. He may make a high-pitched noise when breathing out (wheezing), especially after a coughing spell. You may notice your child having mild shortness of breath. Most signs and symptoms should go away in about 5 to 10 days. However, the cough from bronchitis may last for several weeks.
Some of your child's symptoms may depend on the infection that caused his bronchitis. He may feel tired and have body aches. He may have a fever, chills, or a sore throat. Your child's nose may be runny or stuffy. He may be fussier or cry more than usual. He may eat less and want to sleep more.
How is acute bronchitis diagnosed? From your child's symptoms, caregivers will learn if your child has acute bronchitis or another medical condition. Your child may need tests if his symptoms are bad, or if he has other health problems. These tests may include blood tests and a chest x-ray. Tests are sometimes needed to make sure your child does not have a more serious illness, such as pneumonia (noo-MOH-nyah).
How is acute bronchitis treated? Acute bronchitis is usually a mild illness that goes away on its own. The following are some things that can help your child when he has bronchitis.
If you have dry air in your home, use a humidifier or vaporizer to help your child breathe easier. Clean the humidifier every day with soap and warm water to keep it germ-free.
It is especially important for your child to drink plenty of liquids when he is ill. This helps to keep his air passages moist and better able to get rid of germs and other irritants.
Do not allow anyone to smoke around your child.
Your child may need medicines for cough, body aches, or high fever. Your child may also need medicine that is given through an inhaler or a nebulizer (breathing treatment machine). An inhaler or a nebulizer gives your child medicine in a mist form so that he can breathe it into his lungs. This medicine can help your child breathe easier and cough less.
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. Antibiotic (an-ti-bi-AH-tik) medicine does not work against viruses, only bacteria. Most children with acute bronchitis do not need antibiotics. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can lead to the medicines not working when they are needed. Do not ask for antibiotics if your child's caregiver says he does not need them.
How can I keep others from catching my child's illness? Good hand washing is the best way to prevent many illnesses from spreading. Teach your child to wash his hands often with soap and warm water. Anyone caring for your child should wash their hands often as well. Teach your child to always cover his nose and mouth during coughs and sneezes. It is best to cough into a tissue or shirt sleeve, rather than into his hands. Keep your child away from others as much as possible while he is sick.
Risks: Most children get completely better after having acute bronchitis. Your child may have other problems when he is ill, such as a sinus or ear infection. If your child's bronchitis is bad, he may need to stay in the hospital for treatment. Your child may need extra oxygen or special medicines to help him breathe easier. If your child is having trouble eating or drinking, an IV may be needed to give him extra liquids. Your child's bronchitis may turn into a serious infection, such as pneumonia. This risk is increased if your child is very young or has other health problems (such as heart or lung problems). Having many respiratory (breathing) illnesses over a period of time may cause permanent (life-long) lung problems.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
