How to treat bronchitis in children?

Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 19, 2024
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For pediatric bronchitis, it is primarily important to determine the cause of the infection in the child and to treat the disease based on its cause. Choose corresponding sensitive antibiotics or antimicrobial drugs for treatment. If coughing and expectoration are severe, it may be necessary to use some antitussive and expectorant drugs. Moreover, if the child shows signs of wheezing or obvious suffocation, nebulized inhalation can be used for treatment to relieve symptoms. It is generally advisable to be cautious; if the baby shows signs of breathing difficulty, it is best to take the baby to the hospital for a chest X-ray. Typically, this will only reveal a coarse lung texture, but if the pathogen causing bronchitis in children is complex, then combined medication may be required for treatment.

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What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a common clinical disease, which can generally be divided into acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis in clinical practice. Acute bronchitis often has a sudden onset, with symptoms such as coughing and expectoration; some people may also experience fever, chest tightness, and wheezing. Typically, the course of the disease lasts two to three weeks. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, has a longer duration, with a more gradual onset and symptoms of recurrent coughing and expectoration, and even chest tightness. The annual duration of the disease is more than three months, with a typical onset lasting over two years, making it very long and difficult to control.

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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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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.

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How to treat bronchitis in children

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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How is bronchitis treated?

If the body suffers from bronchitis, how should it be treated? When the body has inflammation, the main principle is to choose antimicrobial drugs for anti-inflammatory treatment. Patients with mild symptoms can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs either orally or by intramuscular injection. If oral medication alone does not produce clear effects, or if symptoms do not improve, a drug sensitivity test can be done. Based on the test results, administer a sensitive antibiotic intravenously. At the same time, it's also important to choose antipyretic analgesics to relieve fever symptoms, as well as medications that thin the mucus for symptomatic treatment.