“How serious is bronchitis in a child?”
My daughter has bronchitis. How serious is bronchitis in a child?
2 Answers
PediatricianPediatrician
The diagnosis of bronchitis is a common condition in kids and is almost always non-threatening. The condition of Bronchitis is most commonly viral in origin and is usually a part of a typical respiratory illness. These viral illnesses Usually include upper respiratory symptoms like nasal congestion, perhaps low-grade fever and an uncomplicated sore throat. Also, a not unusual part of these illnesses is a bad cough and on physical exam manifests with findings of lung Congestion. Some of these viruses may also cause some mild wheezing which also can be heard on physical Exam. These illnesses are common and treated with appropriate medications and can last several days or more. The treatable kinds of bronchitis that are not viral are usually manifested after some time as the child is recovering from a viral illness there may be a recurrence of fever, worsening cough, and perhaps even some abdominal pain. When examined the lower respiratory exam indicates diffuse pockets of infection. These are often secondary bacterial Infections and can be treated with appropriate antibiotics. The only times that acute bronchitis may be concerning is If, for example, the child is a known asthmatic which may predispose to respiratory distress. Otherwise, the main Concern ongoing is watching the child as he or she recovers from any secondary infection.