Bronchitis in children is a very common condition that is usually caused by a virus. It consists of inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the bronchi.
The bronchi are the tubes in which the windpipe branches off to the lungs. Air circulates there, carrying oxygen to the alveoli, where gas exchange will take place. The anatomical conformation of the respiratory system in childhood favors bronchitis due to the smaller diameter along its entire length.
This pathology usually appears in the winter monthswhy the Cold and the aridity of the environment favor viral infections. Also, most of the patients are under 4 years of age.
What is the cause of bronchitis in children?
Bronchitis in children is usually caused by a viral infection. In many cases it appears immediately after a common cold, or even overlaps with both clinical pictures. The viruses that produce it most frequently are:
- adenovirus
- Respiratory syncytial virus
- rhinovirus
- flu viruses
They all spread equally. When a person coughs or sneezes, they expel small droplets that contain the infectious agent. Viral particles can reach other people and, if these droplets come into contact with the child’s mouth, eyes or nose, contagion occurs.
On the other hand, we must point out that there are a number of factors that increase the risk of acute and chronic bronchitis. The first thing is the climate, as cold, pollution and dryness favor irritation of the respiratory mucosa.
Another important risk factor is tobacco. Bronchitis in children can become chronic if the child is a passive smoker due to the habit of the parents or caregivers.
THE asylum and treatment centers are points of risk, even if it seems illogical to think of it this way. There, children are more easily infected by direct contact with other children who may be incubating the disease.
Bronchitis in children is linked to risk factors such as secondhand smoke, cold weather and contact with other children
What are the symptoms?
Bronchitis in children has cold-like symptoms. At first, there may be a stuffy and runny nose, along with a fever. The elevation of the temperature is variable in each case, being able to be small with fever at the beginning, or onset with elevated temperatures.
It usually starts with a dry, itchy, painful cough. However, it soon becomes productive and the mucus that is expelled is yellow or greenish in color. Everyone’s accesses are cumbersome, forcing the child to make a great mechanical pulmonary effort, which ultimately results in chest pain.
Bronchitis in children progresses to bronchial obstruction. That is why it is common to hear noises during breathing, which are wheezing, according to its clinical name. When the obstruction is very severe, shortness of breath and cyanosis (blue discoloration of the skin) due to lack of oxygen are warning signs.
It is also not uncommon for little ones to have a feeling of tightness in the chest and heachache. Children cannot express it, but when they are older they are able to express it.
The usual duration of bronchitis in children is considered to be one week. If this situation lasts more than 10 days, it could be a superinfection with bacteria, which take advantage of the fact that the immune system is busy with another task, to settle in the body.
How is bronchitis treated in children?
Bronchitis in children usually resolves on its own and causes no complications.. However, there are cases when it becomes chronic, that is, it extends its duration up to a month. Fortunately, this is rare in newborns.
As a mild viral infection, bronchitis in children usually does not need any specific treatment. It is advisable for the baby to drink plenty of liquids, as this makes the mucus less dense and is expelled more easily.
Moreover, rest is important. If there is a fever, antipyretic drugs can be taken, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for headaches and chest pains. You should always mediate a professional prescription and prescription.
In some cases, if the baby makes a lot of noises when breathing, it is wheezing. In this situation, the pediatrician can prescribe medications bronchodilators They are administered through an inhaler. This does not mean that asthma exists, but that it is something temporary and the medication will wear off once the condition resolves.
Childhood bronchitis is common, but preventable
It is common and common for children to suffer from acute bronchitis. In any case, you can take steps to prevent your images from getting complicated. Protecting them from the cold and tobacco smoke are two fundamental actions which significantly improve the evolution and appearance of mucus, wheezing and shortness of breath.
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