Health News and Information

Cause

Bronchitis is a common infection in children as well as adults. The bronchi, or major air passages adjoining the windpipe, become inflamed, usually due to infection with a virus, but sometimes due to a germ.

Clinical features

Your child may develop a runny nose, sore throat and a mild fever. Soon afterwards a cough will start, which may be either dry or moist (productive of mucus). Your child may be slightly short of breath, and may wheeze. Bronchitis is often seen in association with asthma.

Investigations

None are usually necessary, but if the coughing persists your doctor may advise a sputum test, or even a chest X-ray.

Treatment

Bronchitis usually passes within a week, without any complications. If symptoms such as a cough and wheezing persist your doctor may advise short-term use of anti-asthma medication. If a bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed. However, it is important to remember that these symptoms are far more readily caused by asthma than by bronchitis.

When to see your doctor

• if your child is an asthmatic;

• if your child has a cough that does not clear up after several days;

• if your child has a wheeze or is short of breath;

• if your child is having difficulty breathing.

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