Acute bronchitis in children care guide

and airways. Bronchitis is often called a chest cold. Acute bronchitis is usually lasts about two weeks and is usually not a serious illness.
What causes or increases your child’s
risk for acute bronchitis?
l Infection: Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a type of germ called a virus. It may also be caused by other germs, such as bacteria, yeast, or a fungus.
l Polluted air: Acute bronchitis can be caused when your child breathes air that has chemical fumes, dust, or pollution.
l Cigarette smoke: If you smoke around your child, he may be at higher risk for acute bronchitis.
l Medical problems: Your child may be more likely to get bronchitis if he has other medical problems. Examples include asthma, frequent swollen tonsils, allergies, or heart problems.
l Premature birth: Babies who are premature (born too early) may be at higher risk for bronchitis.
What are the signs and symptoms
of acute bronchitis?
l Your child has a constant cough. The cough may last for up to a month. His cough may be dry, or he may cough up mucus from his lungs. Mucus may be green, yellow, white, or have streaks of blood in it. Your child may have chest pain when he coughs or takes a deep breath.
l Your child has a fever, body aches, and chills.
l Your child has a sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose.
l Your child is short of breath and wheezes (makes a high-pitched noise) when he breathes.
l Your child is more tired than usual.
How can I care for my child when
he has acute bronchitis?
l Avoid smoke: Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around your child.
l Drink more liquids: Most people should drink at least eight cups of water a day. Your child may need to drink more liquids when he has acute bronchitis. Liquids help to keep the air passages moist and better able to cough up mucus.
l Use a humidifier or vaporiser: Use a cool mist humidifier or a vaporiser to increase air moisture in your home. This may make it easier for your child to breathe, and help decrease his cough. Or simply boil water in a closed room and stay in that room with the child for a while.
When should I call my child’s caregiver?
Call your child’s caregiver if:
l Your child has a fever.
l Your child’s cough does not go away or worsens.
l Your child is tugging at his ears or has ear pain.
l Your child has swollen or painful joints.
l Your child has a new rash or itchy skin.
l Your child has new symptoms or his symptoms get worse.
lYou have any questions or concerns about your child’s medicine or care.
Seek immediate care when
l Your child’s breathing problems get worse, or he wheezes with every breath.
l Your child has signs of struggling to breathe. These signs may include:
l Retractions when breathing in. Retractions are when the skin between the ribs or around the neck gets sucked in with each breath.
l Flaring (widening) of his nose when breathing.
l Trouble talking or eating because of his breathing problems.
l Your child has a headache and a stiff neck with his fever.
l Your child’s lips or nails turn gray or blue.
l Your child is dizzy, confused, faints, or is much harder to wake up than usual.
l Your child has signs of dehydration. Dehydration means that your child does not have enough fluid in his body.
Signs of dehydration may include
l Crying without tears.
l Dry mouth or cracked lips.
l Urinating less, or darker urine than normal.