Bronchitis in Children
Bronchitis is typically caused by a viral infection. The infection affects the bronchi, which are the tubes that lead to the lungs from the throat and the trachea. The infection causes swelling and the production of excessive mucus, making it for difficult for the patient to breathe easily. This inflammation results in a cough as well as pain that can occur in the upper chest or throat.
Bronchitis can stem from lesser illnesses such as colds, measles, and the flu and can also be triggered by the child being around cigarette smoke on a regular basis. Breathing problems in children can become serious, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if any issues arise.
Bronchitis can stem from lesser illnesses such as colds, measles, and the flu and can also be triggered by the child being around cigarette smoke on a regular basis. Breathing problems in children can become serious, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if any issues arise.
Signs & Symptoms of Bronchitis in Children
Children get sick on a regular basis, but being able to tell the difference between a simple cough and something more severe like Bronchitis is important. Bronchitis symptoms may include:
- A dry cough that over time develops into a wet cough
- Shortness of breath and wheezing, which can sometimes be mistaken for asthma
- A cold that worsens over the course of a few days, developing deep coughing
- Chills and fever
- Tightness in the chest
Treatment Options
Treating bronchitis in a child differs from treating an adult who has been diagnosed with the infection. For instance, babies and young children cannot receive certain types of medication that are a quick cure for adults. Because bronchitis is caused by a virus must of the time, antibiotics will not work. Bronchial infections can be very painful for children, as they have smaller airways and lungs.
Some natural remedies include:
Most commonly, an over-the-counter or prescription cold medicine can be used after consulting with your pediatrician. These cold medicines help control coughing and other symptoms, but are not usually meant for children under the age of 6.
Some natural remedies include:
- Drinking plenty of water.
- Using a humidifier to help open up breathing passages so the child is more comfortable.
- Resting so that the child’s body has time to repair and rebuild itself.
Most commonly, an over-the-counter or prescription cold medicine can be used after consulting with your pediatrician. These cold medicines help control coughing and other symptoms, but are not usually meant for children under the age of 6.
Contact AGC Pediatrics
Breathing trouble, including coughing or wheezing, can lead to serious health conditions in children. It is important to contact a knowledgeable pediatrician for diagnosing and the treatment of bronchitis in children. AGC Pediatrics is here to help: schedule an appointment today or contact us by calling our office at (706)625-5900 or by vising our online patient portal.
We have two convenient office locations in Calhoun and Cartersville, GA. We also serve surrounding communities in Ellijay, Sonoraville, Rockmart, Woodstock, Alpharetta, Canton, or Holly Springs.
We have two convenient office locations in Calhoun and Cartersville, GA. We also serve surrounding communities in Ellijay, Sonoraville, Rockmart, Woodstock, Alpharetta, Canton, or Holly Springs.
