What could cause bronchitis in your child? And how might it be handled? Learn in this article the most important information about bronchitis in children.
The most crucial details about bronchitis in kids are covered in the sentences that follow:
Bronchitis in children
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the source of the infection, bronchitis, which affects the large breathing tubes in children's lungs known as the bronchi, may be chronic or acute.
Bronchitis can affect how difficult it is for air to enter and exit the lungs, as well as irritate the tissues lining the bronchial tubes, causing them to secrete a lot of mucus.
Types of bronchitis in children
Children can develop bronchitis in a variety of ways, including the following:
1. Acute bronchitis
Although bacterial infections can also cause acute bronchitis, viruses frequently attack the airways and harm the respiratory system.
It is important to note that this infection affects kids quickly, but it only lasts a few weeks and may result in severe symptoms that call for both medical attention and at-home care.
2. Chronic bronchitis
Children rarely develop chronic bronchitis, which can range in severity from mild to severe.
From a few months to years, this inflammation lasts for a very long time. Children with this type of inflammation become more susceptible to bacterial infections in the lungs and airway.
Causes of bronchitis in children
The most frequent cause of bronchitis in kids is a virus, but it can also be brought on by bacteria, allergens, dust, or potent fumes.
When in direct contact with an infected person, the infection, which may start as a cold or upper respiratory infection, can spread quickly.
Children are more likely to get bronchitis if they have any of the following signs:
- Chronic sinusitis.
- Exposure to secondhand smoke.
- sensitive.
- asthma .
- Enlarged adenoids and tonsils.
Symptoms of bronchitis in children
Here are the symptoms that indicate that children have bronchitis:
- Cough that may produce phlegm.
- vomiting.
- wheezing when breathing
- Tired.
- Runny nose .
- low temperature.
- Sore throat.
Diagnosis of bronchitis in children
By asking about the child's symptoms, performing a physical examination, and ordering blood tests to rule out any other infections, a doctor may be able to identify bronchitis in children.
When a child has a fever, the doctor may order an x-ray of the chest to make sure that the child does not have pneumonia and may test a sample of the child's sputum to make sure that the child does not have another infection.
Treatment of bronchitis in children
Coughing with bronchitis is a natural way to clean the lungs , which in turn helps most cases of inflammation heal on their own. Here are some efficient methods for treating bronchitis in kids:
- Make sure your child gets enough liquids to drink. In order to soothe a sore throat and make it easier for the phlegm in your child's lungs to come out by coughing, you can give your child warm lemon juice or warm water with lemon and honey or soup.
- Rest your child as much as you can, and try to make sure he sleeps comfortably by elevating his head by putting some pillows under the top of the child's mattress.
- Warm compresses applied to the chest can help your child feel better. Your child may experience pain when coughing due to bronchitis, which makes his chest feel heavy. Compresses can relieve the pain.
- Eliminate irritants from your home, keep your child away from secondhand smoke because it irritates his inflamed lungs and could hinder his recovery, and make sure that there is no dust, chemicals, or pollen in the area where your child is.
- Talk to your pediatrician before giving your child any cold or cough medicine.
- When your child's symptoms worsen, if any new symptoms emerge, or if your child has a high fever and is having breathing difficulties, call the doctor right away.