Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, or main passageways of the lungs. The illness sometimes clears up on its own, but it’s important to be educated in case your child catches it and it becomes serious. Childhood bronchitis can be scary for parents, but a pediatric care professional can quickly set kids on the path to wellness. 

What to Do When Your Child Has Bronchitis

Acute vs. Chronic

There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis usually doesn’t last very long, with particularly bad cases tapering off in a couple of weeks. It’s usually caused by a virus and may develop after your child has a cold. This type of bronchitis generally goes away on its own, but since it’s commonly caused by an infection, it’s often contagious.

Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, usually lasts more than four weeks and is caused by a bacterial infection. Pediatric care physicians will usually prescribe antibiotics for children with chronic bronchitis, but they may have to rule out other causes first, such as asthma. It’s usually not contagious.

The Symptoms of Bronchitis in Children

The most common symptoms are a wet cough and mucus production. Others may include mild headache, low-grade fever, lethargy, body aches, and sore throat. Shortness of breath, wheezing, and soreness or tightness in the chest are also common due to the respiratory nature of the condition.

When to Stay Home & When to See a Doctor

Unfortunately, the cure for acute bronchitis is often just waiting it out. Your child should blow their nose often to try to cut down on drainage, and you can also flush their nose out with saline. It may be tempting to give children cough suppressants or cold medicine to make them feel better, but it’s wise to hold off on these until you talk to your doctor. These medicines might have negative side effects.

If the wet cough lasts more than two or three weeks, it’s time to seek pediatric care. This is the point at which it may be considered chronic. In addition, if your child has trouble breathing or a high fever, seek immediate medical attention.

If you suspect your child has bronchitis, Orange Beach Walk-In Medical Care in Baldwin County, AL, is the trusted urgent care clinic in the area for quality pediatric care. Dr. Huston and his team will provide you with quick and comprehensive health care just when you need it the most. They offer extended business hours so you can easily fit a doctor’s appointment into your schedule. Visit their website to learn more about the staff or call (251) 964-7425 to schedule an appointment.