Chronic Bronchitis Symptoms

For a baby, bronchitis is basically a less severe case of pneumonia, and it is from this infection that pneumonia usually develops if left unchecked.

Bronchitis is an infection brought about by inflammation of the bronchial tubes - a respiratory infection. It can be acute or chronic.

Acute bronchitis is usually severe and lasts only a couple of days, whereas chronic bronchitis can last months or even years. Much depends on one's immune system. Bronchitis has many causes: a virus, bacteria, heartburn and even smoking can all lead to a bronchitis infection. It is a very common infection, much like the advanced version of the common cold.

Symptoms and Signs of Bronchitis in Your Children

Symptoms may include a cough that brings mucus up out of the lungs, headache, chills, fever, soreness or tightness in the chest, wheezing and problems breathing. Children with this infection are more susceptible to other infections. Children who have asthma or are victims of secondhand smoke are more susceptible to a bronchitis infection.

Bronchitis Diagnosis and Treatment

Your child's physician will probably listen to your child's chest and breathing and, if he feels it is necessary, will order an X-ray to take a further look at your child's chest. If the infection is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not work, and the infection will have to run its course. If this is the case, then you will just have to make your child as comfortable as possible during the course of the infection, and wait for your child's body to do its job. The best home treatment is to treat the child as if he or she has the common cold. Rest, lots of fluids, and over-the-counter medicines are all you can do to treat this type of bronchitis. Using a humidifier may help as well. If your child's bronchitis is caused by bacteria, your doctor may or may not prescribe antibiotics.