Acute Bronchitis in Children

The condition Bronchitis is named so because of its association with the bronchial tubes. These structures serve as the carrier of oxygen to and from the lungs. However, due to certain reasons, these tubes suffer inflammation and this cause a shut down of the tiny airways in the lungs. This condition is common in winters, and can affect anyone. It exits in two types; acute and chronic. Now, when is this condition said to be an acute one. It is, when it is mild and self-limiting; meaning, the acute form of the condition clears up on its own within a span of a couple of weeks. And to add to this, it often develops following a cold or other respiratory infection in the body. But, if the symptoms of acute bronchitis do not cease or keep recurring then the condition might have progressed to become a chronic bronchitis, wherein, the damage becomes permanent, thus making the condition incurable. More on acute bronchitis in children has been detailed in the following.

Acute bronchitis in Children - Facts

The Symptoms
The main characteristic manifestation of this condition is a nagging cough or a hacking cough. This is one symptom of the condition that, more often than not, lingers even long after other symptoms are gone. In most cases, the cough is a productive one; meaning, it causes a discharge of thick sputum that may be clear, white, green, or yellow-gray. Frequent coughing may be tiresome for the little ones, and may make chest and stomach muscles sore. And to worsen the cough, other symptoms of acute bronchitis in children that might occur are:

• Stuffy nose
• Headache
• Breathing problem
• Fever, and chills
• Sore throat
• Discomfort in the chest
• Body aches and pains

In young children, parents can decipher all such symptoms, but the story is different when the condition occurs in infants. Given to their age, they are not able to verbally communicate how they are feeling, except crying and showing signs of not being at ease and more cranky than usual.

The Cause
As mentioned, acute bronchitis usually follows a cold and flu episode. So this may signify that the virus that causes cold and influenza, triggers the infection that inflames the bronchial tubes. Although, a viral infection is the most common culprit to be blamed for the condition, sometimes, a bacterial infection could also come into the picture. Coughing, sneezing, and coming in contact with contaminated articles are the modes of transmission for the virus from one person to another. Besides being a result of a viral or bacterial invasion, acute bronchitis in children could also be a repercussion of aspirating foreign matters into the lungs such as smoke, ones own vomit, strong acids, fumes, etc.

The Treatment
Acute bronchitis, unlike the chronic one, is not a cause for concern. In most cases, simple self-care measures at home are good enough for the treatment of acute bronchitis in children. Parents are advised to help their sick child drink more fluids including water. Increasing fluid intake, helps in keeping the body hydrated, thereby thinning the mucus and making it easier to cough it up. It is important that the affected child gets plenty of sleep, as it would help the body heal faster. Aches and pains can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, but when children are in consideration, consulting a chemist regarding the medication would be a safer option.

Coming to medications, as most cases of bronchitis is due to a viral infection, antibiotics do not come of any help. The virus would simply run its course and self-resolve within a couple of weeks. But to relieve the symptoms, cough suppressant may be used, but only if the cough is keeping the child from sleeping. Cough medication that contains suppressant inhibits coughing, thus keeping the mucus trapped in the lungs.

Acute bronchitis in children can be prevented by getting your child a yearly flu vaccination, and helping him/her understand the importance of practicing proper personal hygiene. And that would be it for now. Take care!

By Raji

Antibiotics for Bronchitis

One of the common disorders of the lungs is what is known as bronchitis. This condition gets its name from its nature to affect the structures which act as the transporter of oxygen to and from the lungs. These structures are known as bronchial tubes, and when they get inflamed and irritated, the condition is known as bronchitis. It may occur in two forms; some people may have acute bronchitis, while some may complain against recurring bronchitis symptoms which may indicate that they have chronic form of the condition; which unfortunately is incurable. Speaking of the chronic form first, the major cause for it is long-term smoking. Long-term exposure to air pollution, dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace may also cause the same. Now speaking of acute bronchitis, it may be a repercussion of a bacterial infection, viral infection, or it may also result from inhaling foreign matters into the lungs. More often than not, acute bronchitis follows an episode of cold and flu, which may imply that a viral infection that causes these infections, also causes bronchitis. However, in some cases, a bacterial infection can get diagnosed as the causal agent. And this is when, the use of antibiotics for bronchitis becomes a recommended treatment option. More on it follows...

Common Antibiotics for Bronchitis

Here is a list of some of the commonly prescribed antibiotics for bronchitis.

• Amoxicillin, (Amoxil, Dispermox)
• Azithromycin, (Zithromax)
• Clarithromycin, (Biaxin, Biaxin XL)
• Cephalexin (Keflex, Biocef)
• Doxycycline (Doryx, Monodox)
• Erythromycin (Eryc, EryPed)

Do you Need Antibiotics for Bronchitis?

If the infection has been caused by a bacterial infection, then antibiotics may be recommended to be used. However, if the affected individual has no other health complaints except bronchitis, then antibiotics may not be the first line of defense. A person's age, risk of complications and overall health are some important factors which influence a doctor's discretion in prescribing antibiotics.

Dosage and Side Effects of Antibiotics

This segment is on the recommended dosage of the antibiotics commonly administered for bronchitis. It also lists down the possible side effects that may get triggered in the body after the use of these drugs. Note that, dosage of some of these drugs are not specified as they depend on factors such as age, severity, and the causal agent. Also, some of them share similar side effects.

Amoxicillin

Dosage:

Dosage (mg)	Frequency	Span
Not standardized	NA	NA

Side Effects:

• Diarrhea; may be watery or may contain blood in it
• Jaundice
• Yeast infection in the vagina or the mouth (oral thrush)
• Seizures
• Increased anxiety
• Allergic responses such as hives, itching, swelling, and breathing problems

Azithromycin

Dosage:

Dosage (mg)	Frequency	Span
250 - 500	Once daily	3 - 5 days

Side Effects:

• Nausea/vomiting
• Pain in the abdominal region
• Headache
• Allergic reaction characterized by skin rash that develops for no apparent reason
• Diarrhea

Clarithromycin

Dosage:

Dosage (mg)	Frequency	Span
Not standardized	NA	NA

Side Effects:

• The patient may develop an abnormal taste in his mouth
• Indigestion may be caused by the antibiotic
• Heartburn
• Pain in the stomach or abdominal region
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Cephalexin

Dosage:

Dosage (mg)	Frequency	Span
250 - 1000	4 times a day	7 - 14 days

Side Effects:

• Sores may develop in the mouth including the throat area; may make swallowing difficult
• Stools may contain blood
• Itching
• Wheezing
• Breathing difficulty
• Swollen throat
• Easy bleeding and bruising
• Hives
• Abnormal peeling of the skin

Doxycycline

Dosage:

Dosage (mg)	Frequency	Span
100 - 200	Once a day	7 - 14 days

Side Effects:

• The skin may become increasingly sensitive to sunlight
• Heart burn; may be accompanied by indigestion
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Hunger may get suppressed

Erythromycin

Dosage:

Dosage (mg)	Frequency	Span
400 - 800	every 6 - 12 hours	Not standardized

Side Effects:

• Pain in the abdomen
• Feeling nauseous
• Diarrhea
• Poor feeding
• Vomiting

So that was about the use of antibiotics for bronchitis, and the side effects that may be caused by each of them. As you can see, some side effects are common in all these medications. In most cases, doctors recommend antibiotics for acute bronchitis treatment. However, chronic bronchitis, although is not usually caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may still be recommended to prevent any secondary bacterial infection. Hope this article was helpful in giving you the required information. In case, you feel that it has missed out on something important, then feel free to bring it to our notice via the comment box. Your feedback is always appreciated. Take care!

By Rajib Singha

Common Causes of Bronchitis

We all know about bronchitis as a respiratory problem in which the inner walls of the bronchial tubes are swollen. The bronchial tubes transport air from the windpipe to the lungs. When the bronchial tubes develop inflammation, the free flow of air in and out of the lungs takes a backseat. Restricted air flow leading to trouble in breathing is one of the most common consequences of bronchitis. Apart from breathing problems, bronchitis induces yellow phlegm producing cough, fatigue, and raises body temperature. Although this respiratory problem strikes both young and adults, not many are aware of its causes. Some of the most common causes of bronchitis are given below. Have a look.

Bronchitis Common Causes

So what are the most common triggers of bronchitis? This respiratory problem has been commonly associated with smokers. In simple words, bronchitis is the penalty people have to face for smoking regularly. Influenza virus is yet another leading cause of bronchitis. The main causes are:

Smoking
According to proven facts about bronchitis, the habit of puffing cigarettes is undoubtedly one of the most common causes of bronchitis. Recent reports clearly indicate that most cases of bronchitis result due to smoking. In fact, smoking has become a major contributor in the rising incidences of bronchitis. Also called the smoker's disease, bronchitis associated with smoking is long-lasting and does not go away so easily. It may last for two years even, and during this period, the bronchitis subsides and elevates at regular intervals. Many ask 'how smoking leads to bronchitis'. Well, it is a known fact that inhaling tobacco everyday can eventually damage to any part of the respiratory system. Cigarettes are stuffed with tobacco, and so their inhalation irritates the bronchial tubes. This subsequently causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Exposure to passive smoking (second hand smoke) daily also increases the chances of developing chronic bronchitis.

Influenza
Seasonal flu also comes in the list of most common causes of bronchitis. The influenza commonly referred to as flu, is a viral infection that can have a negative impact on the bronchial tubes. It is observed that bronchitis cases escalate dramatically during winter, because viral flu infection commonly affects people in this season. A person affected with seasonal flu typically experiences body aches, headaches, fatigue, chills, runny nose, and has a high body temperature. Unlike smoking, the influenza virus usually causes acute bronchitis, which means it lasts for a shorter period of time, and goes away as soon as the influenza virus completes its course.

Common Cold
Common cold too can become deadly and affect the bronchial tubes. This often happens when this viral infection is not managed properly. Common cold becoming severe can affect the bronchial tubes, eventually leading to bronchitis. So, even after nasal congestion and frequent bouts of sneezing have stopped, the person continues to cough frequently, which is indicating bronchitis.

Pollen Allergy
Recent studies suggest that about 15 - 20% children are suffering from pollen allergy. Seasonal pollen allergy too can turn into bronchitis when necessary precautionary measures to control the symptoms are put on the back burner. No wonder, people who show allergic reactions from exposure to pollen, dust and mold, are predisposed to bronchitis.

Pneumonia
Pneumonia, a common bacterial infection, can also cause bronchitis. Difficulty in breathing, chest discomfort, coughing and high fever, are commonly associated with pneumonia. Although the bacteria invades the lungs in pneumonia, the bronchial tubes may also show signs of inflammation. The reason being, the proliferation of bacteria in pneumonia can also affect the bronchial tubes, leading to bronchitis.

Air Pollution
In today's times, the deteriorating quality of air due to the release of gas and toxic chemicals into the atmosphere also increases the risk of bronchitis, in both children and adults. Industrial dusts and emission of smoke from vehicles are the ones that actually pollute the air. Inhaling this polluted air, which is common in developing and developed countries, can inflame the bronchial tubes, eventually causing respiratory problems like bronchitis.

Treatment of bronchitis involves the intake of certain medications that are prescribed depending upon what is actually causing the bronchitis. No matter what bronchitis medication is prescribed, smokers need to quit their unhealthy habit of lighting the cigarette. Tobacco smoke is bound to worsen bronchitis, and therefore smoking cigarettes has to be stopped immediately. Patients with chronic bronchitis should not hesitate or feel shy to wear masks whenever outdoors. This will minimize exposure to air pollutants, thereby helping to manage this condition more effectively.

By Nicks J

How to Treat Bronchitis in Babies

Most of us are familiar with the term bronchitis, a condition that affects the respiratory system. This condition may develop at any age, but babies are more prone as they have a weak immune system. It has been observed that bronchitis in babies usually develops during winter and early spring. The condition is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes and is mostly caused by worsening of the common cold or flu. So, in most cases, bronchitis in babies is caused by viruses. However, bacterial infection is also not uncommon.

There are two types of bronchitis - acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis causes severe symptoms, the condition lasts for a few days to a week. The symptoms can be acute or severe in chronic bronchitis, which may also last longer. While, acute bronchitis is often found to be caused by viral or bacterial infection, chronic ones are found to be caused by allergies that develop from irritants, smoke, etc. Bronchitis being a common condition in babies, it will be advisable for the parents to have a fair understanding about the condition. Go through this article to know more about how to treat bronchitis in babies. Before starting with the treatment of the condition, let us take a look at the causes and symptoms of infant bronchitis.

Baby Bronchitis - Causes and Symptoms

As mentioned above, the most common cause of bronchitis in babies is viruses. Among them, the respiratory syncytial virus is found to be the most common one that affects babies. Others include parainfluenza, mycoplasma, adenovirus, etc. However, bacterial infections and irritants that trigger allergies can also cause infant bronchitis. The onset of this condition is characterized with runny nose and sneezing, along with a slightly high body temperature. Within a day or two, the baby will start a dry cough. The cough will worsen within a short span and the baby will produce yellowish to greenish mucus (while coughing). He/she may also start gagging and retching, along with cough. Some kids may also develop slight chest pain and wheezing. In case of severe bronchitis, the fever will also increase. It will take some time for the cough to subside, even though the condition is relieved. Now that you have a fair idea about the causes and symptoms of the condition, let us take a look at how to treat bronchitis in babies.

Baby Bronchitis - Treatment

If bronchitis is viral in origin (as seen in most cases), it will run its course till the condition subsides on its own. The only thing a doctor can do is to relieve the symptoms with medication and to prevent complications like pneumonia. If you notice any of the above said symptoms in your baby, get the condition diagnosed. Take him/her to the doctor, who will detect the level of congestion with a stethoscope. Pulmonary function will be evaluated with spirometry. In some cases, X-rays and blood tests may also be recommended. In case the condition is caused by bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. However, antibiotics is not at all needed in case of viral bronchitis in babies.

The mode of treatment for bronchitis in babies may vary with the health condition of the baby and the symptoms. While mild cases may subside with no treatment. All that is needed is proper rest and good intake of warm fluids. Provide the baby with a clean and warm environment and prop his head up with pillows, so as to make breathing easier. Usually, expectorants, a bronchodilator inhaler and drugs for lowering fever are prescribed for treating bronchitis in babies. While expectorants are used for thinning and loosening phlegm, bronchodilator inhalers help to open up the inflamed air passages, thereby relieving symptoms like wheezing and breathing trouble. Nasal saline solution may be prescribed for relieving congestion of the nose. Fever can be lowered with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc. While, cough suppressants may be used in cases with severe cough, it is not usually recommended, as it will prevent elimination of phlegm.

The above said is only a brief overview about how to treat bronchitis in babies. This article is only for informational purposes and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.

In short, bronchitis is a condition that is common in babies and it can be relieved with proper treatment and care. However, consult your pediatrician at the earliest so as to get the condition diagnosed properly. You may prevent recurrence of bronchitis (in your baby) to some extent by maintaining good hygiene with frequent hand washing, adequate intake of liquids, proper rest and sleep. Keep the child away from infected kids, secondhand smoke and other irritants and allergens.

By Sonia Nair