Bronchitis in Kids: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Have you noticed your little one has a dry, chesty cough that keeps them up all night? If so, your child may have bronchitis. Our latest blog will explore the different symptoms, causes, and treatments for bronchitis in kids.

Bronchitis happens when the large airways (bronchi) to the lungs get inflamed and produce excess mucus. It is typically caused by a virus entering the airways, but bacteria can also cause it. While the continual, chesty coughing can be a cause for concern for parents, the symptoms usually go away within a few weeks and are easily treated with homecare treatments of over-the-counter medicines in most cases.

What are the types of bronchitis?

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic.

Acute bronchitis typically lasts about three weeks and is often caused by a viral infection. The symptoms come on quickly and are usually mild. It is very common and usually happens after a cold or other respiratory illness.

Chronic bronchitis is rare in children; the symptoms last longer than four weeks.

Bronchitis in Kids

What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

Both acute and chronic bronchitis have similar symptoms and often start with an annoying, dry cough. Other symptoms include:

  • Coughing that brings up thick white, greenish, or yellow mucus
  • Wheezing
  • Feeling short of breath
  • Chest congestion or pain
  • Sore throat
  • Fever and chills

In the case of chronic bronchitis, the symptoms last for much longer and can lead to longer recovery times from common colds and other respiratory illnesses.

What causes bronchitis in kids?

Most children under the age of six develop bronchitis due to a viral infection, but it can also be caused by bacteria and reactions to dust, allergens, strong fumes, and tobacco smoke. Kids with chronic sinusitis, allergies, and asthma who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke are more at risk of developing bronchitis.

How Is Bronchitis in Kids Diagnosed? 

If your pediatrician thinks your child has bronchitis, they will carry out a physical exam and listen to your child’s chest. This is usually enough to diagnose a case of acute bronchitis. However, your pediatrician may order a chest x-ray or do a breathing test to rule out pneumonia and check for asthma, especially if your child has shortness of breath and wheezing.

How Is Bronchitis Treated? 

Treatment will depend on the cause of bronchitis and the severity of your child’s symptoms. Viruses cause most cases of bronchitis in young children, so your pediatrician won’t prescribe antibiotics. Instead, they will recommend home care treatment, such as drinking plenty of fluids and getting lots of rest.

If your child has a fever or discomfort, they may prescribe pain medication. In older children, they may recommend taking cough medicine to relieve the cough symptoms.

Next Steps

Acute bronchitis in kids usually gets better in a few weeks. However, if your child’s symptoms are not improving, please contact us to arrange an appointment with one of our friendly pediatricians in Littleton.