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Bronchitis Q & A

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What is bronchitis?

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Bronchitis is a condition of the lungs that causes a short-term or long-term cough and other respiratory symptoms. Bronchitis derives from the irritation and inflammation of the bronchi, the two large tubes that connect your child’s airway to their lungs.

Bronchitis is either acute (short term) or chronic (long term):

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• Acute bronchitis: lasts 1-3 weeks, is usually caused by a virus, and may occur after a cold or other respiratory problem

• Chronic bronchitis: lasts up to several months and is generally caused by exposure to airborne irritants.

 

Your child may be at higher risk of having chronic bronchitis if they’re regularly exposed to secondhand smoke, harsh chemicals, or severe air pollution.

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What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

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Some symptoms of acute bronchitis are similar to cold symptoms and may include:

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• Fatigue

• Body aches

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Cough that produces mucus

• Chest discomfort

• Wheezing or difficulty breathing

• Yellow, white, or green phlegm

 

Chronic bronchitis causes a chest cough with phlegm, wheezing, and chest discomfort for three months or more.

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How is bronchitis diagnosed?

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To properly treat your child’s respiratory condition, Dr. Fayad first must accurately diagnose their symptoms. Bronchitis can look similar to colds or other respiratory problems, like pneumonia, asthma, whooping cough, or allergies, so it’s essential that you bring them in for his to assess their condition before treatment begins.

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Dr. Fayad completes a health history, reviews your child’s symptoms, and examines them. He may order a chest X-ray, a mucus culture, or breathing tests.

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What are the treatments for bronchitis?

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If your child has acute or chronic bronchitis, their treatment plan may include:

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• Lots of rest

• Increased fluid intake

• Cough suppressant medications

• Steroid medications

• Bronchodilator inhalers

• Nebulizer or breathing treatments

 

Typically, a virus is the cause of acute bronchitis, which can’t be treated by an antibiotic. However, if your child’s bronchitis is bacterial, Dr. Fayad may order an antibiotic.

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If your child suffers from chronic bronchitis and you or someone in your house smokes, Dr. Fayad recommends they quit smoking to decrease your child’s exposure to secondhand smoke

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If you think your child may have acute or chronic bronchitis, call the office or schedule an appointment with Pediatrics R US today.

 

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