How to treat bronchitis in children

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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The main symptoms of bronchitis in children are coughing and excessive phlegm, and there may also be symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Generally, when caring for a sick child at home, it’s important to pay attention to their diet. The diet should be light and easy to digest, with an appropriate increase in nutrition. Foods that are too sweet, too salty, or cold should be avoided. Also, avoid giving the child big tonic foods or foods that are rich and greasy, like fish, shrimp, or crab, which can cause allergies. Additionally, ensure the air has adequate humidity, typically maintaining it between 55%-65%. Let the child drink warm water frequently, change positions regularly, and pat their back to help expel phlegm. Proper rest is also important. If the child is really uncomfortable, has persistent coughing, or shows clear signs of fever and irritability, it is advised to go to the hospital promptly, so a doctor can assess the child’s condition and treat them accordingly.

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Symptoms of bronchitis in children

The symptoms of bronchitis in children mainly present as symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. At the onset of the disease, symptoms such as chills, cold fear, high fever along with a runny nose and sneezing will appear, followed by coughing, expectorating phlegm, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases may show signs of flaring nostrils, rapid breathing, and the three concave sign. Some patients may also experience symptoms like high fever leading to coma, so it is important to promptly use sensitive antimicrobial drugs and anti-inflammatory treatments, while also managing the fever to prevent febrile convulsions. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on the specific circumstances.)

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Does bronchitis cause asthma?

Bronchitis can be classified into acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis based on the onset and progression of the condition. Acute bronchitis usually begins suddenly, with generally mild systemic symptoms. It can include fever and is mostly characterized by a dry cough or a small amount of mucous sputum. Over time, the amount of sputum may increase and the coughing may intensify, occasionally accompanied by blood-streaked sputum. There is generally no significant hemoptysis or chest pain. The duration of cough and expectoration can be quite long, potentially lasting two to three weeks. A small portion of patients may experience prolonged symptoms, eventually progressing to chronic bronchitis. The most common symptoms of chronic bronchitis are also cough and expectoration, but these symptoms last much longer, typically persisting for more than two years and occurring for three months each year. A small number of bronchitis patients may experience bronchial spasms or bronchial asthma, leading to varying degrees of chest tightness, shortness of breath, or wheezing.

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Pulmonology
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Can bronchitis be cured?

This still depends on the specific situation. If it is acute bronchitis, in most cases, the recovery is usually good after treatment and it can generally be cured. However, in some individual cases, such as elderly and frail patients or those who have not received timely treatment, symptoms may persist and develop into chronic bronchitis. If it is chronic bronchitis, treatment is relatively difficult and it's hard to completely cure. Patients often suffer from the condition every year, with episodes lasting more than three months, affecting the quality of their daily life.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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Daily care for children's bronchitis

For children with bronchitis, it is essential to keep warm and avoid exposure to cold and wind, especially from cold air, which can reduce the local resistance of the bronchial mucosa and exacerbate the condition of bronchitis. It is also important to monitor the child's body temperature, maintaining it above 36.5 degrees Celsius, drink plenty of water, and promote metabolism to enhance the body's immunity. Additionally, attention should be paid to the diet, which should primarily consist of liquid or semi-liquid foods. It is also appropriate to drink some sugar water or light salt water. It is important to increase dietary nutrition by consuming light, fully nutritious, balanced, and easily digestible liquid or semi-liquid foods such as porridge, egg custard, soft noodles, fresh vegetables, and fruit juices. Furthermore, it is crucial to maintain the child's respiratory passages clear, focus on expectoration, and ensure regular ventilation in the room to keep the air fresh and flowing, with appropriate temperature and humidity levels.

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Pulmonology
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How is bronchitis diagnosed?

In clinical practice, if bronchitis is suspected, it is not very difficult to confirm the diagnosis. It generally involves combining clinical symptoms with results from routine blood tests, chest X-rays, or CT scans for a definitive diagnosis. Most cases will show thickened bronchial or lung markings, and an increase in the total number of white blood cells in the blood. The main symptoms include coughing, expectoration, and difficulty breathing. Diagnosis can be confirmed by combining personal medical history, physical signs, and laboratory test results, allowing for timely anti-inflammatory treatment.