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Acute Bronchitis
What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the large breathing tubes (airways) that are called bronchi, which causes increased production of mucus and other changes. Although there are several different types of bronchitis, the two most common are acute and chronic (primarily affects adults).

What is acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is the inflammation of mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes.

What causes acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses. It may also be caused by physical or chemical agents - dusts, allergens, strong fumes, and those from chemical cleaning compounds, or tobacco smoke. (Acute asthmatic bronchitis may happen as the result of an asthma attack, or it may be the cause of an asthma attack.) In children, the most common cause of bronchitis is a virus, although in children over years of age, it can be caused by bacteria. Acute bronchitis is usually a mild condition. Acute bronchitis may follow the common cold or other viral infections in the upper respiratory tract. It may also occur in children with chronic sinusitis, allergies, or those with enlarged tonsils and adenoids. !neumonia is a complication that can follow bronchitis.

What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?

"he following are the most common symptoms for acute bronchitis. #owever, each child may e$perience symptoms differently. %ymptoms may include&

runny nose, usually before a cough starts malaise (an overall body discomfort or not feeling well) chills slight fever

back and muscle pain sore throat

In the earlier stages of the condition, children may e$perience a dry, non-productive cough which progresses later to an abundant mucus-filled cough. 'ounger children may have some vomiting or gagging with the cough. "he symptoms of bronchitis usually last seven to () days, but may also persist for three to four weeks. "he symptoms of acute bronchitis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. *onsult your child+s physician for a diagnosis.

How is acute bronchitis diagnosed?

Bronchitis is usually diagnosed solely on the history and physical e$amination of the child. ,any tests may be ordered to rule out other diseases, such as pneumonia or asthma. In addition, the following tests may be ordered to help confirm diagnosis&

chest x-rays - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. blood tests pulse oximetry - an o$imeter is a small machine that measures the amount of o$ygen in the blood. "o obtain this measurement, a small sensor (like a BandAid) is taped onto a finger or toe. -hen the machine is on, a small red light can be seen in the sensor. "he sensor is painless and the red light does not get hot. sputum cultures lung tests

Treatment for acute bronchitis

%pecific treatment for acute bronchitis will be determined by your child+s physician based on&

your child+s age, overall health, and medical history e$tent of the condition your child+s tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies e$pectations for the course of the condition your opinion or preference

In many cases, antibiotic treatment is not necessary to treat acute bronchitis, since most of the infections are caused by viruses. .ven children who have been coughing for longer that eight to (/ days usually do not need antibiotics. ,ost of the treatment is supportive of the symptoms your child may have, and may include&

analgesics, such as acetaminophen (for fever and discomfort)

cough medicine increased fluid intake cool mist humidifier in the room may be helpful

Antihistamines should be avoided, in most cases, because they dry up the secretions and can make the cough worse.