Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an infection or inflammation of the bronchi, and is one of the most common chest infections which most people can expect to develop during their lifetimes.

The bronchi are the air passageways connecting the trachea – or windpipe – to the lungs. The lining of the bronchi should normally produce mucus to trap the dust mites and other tiny particles that are inhaled and therefore prevent irritation. Bronchitis causes inflammation in the lining of the bronchi, causing the production of more mucus than normal.

Causes of bronchitis
Bronchitis can be classed as acute or chronic, and it is acute bronchitis that is likely to affect children. It is usually the result of a viral infection, and the common cold and flu viruses can all lead to bronchitis. These viruses are airborne and spread by droplet infection, contained in the tiny droplets that are emitted every time an infected person coughs, sneezes or blows their nose. Viruses can live for up to one whole day on whatever surface they land on, and spread to other people who touch that surface or who inhale droplets that are airborne. The virus causes the lining of the bronchi to become inflamed and to produce more mucus than normal. Bronchitis can also be caused by inhaling certain irritants, such as fumes and cigarette smoke, or by an allergy, such as house dust. It can also be caused by a bacterial infection. Bronchitis is less common in babies, although they are more susceptible to bronchiolitis, when the bronchioles within the lungs become inflamed.

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term health condition that is far more common in adults and is also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is characterised by a persistent, productive cough as well as breathlessness and wheezing. The main cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking.

Symptoms
The main sign that a child has developed acute bronchitis is a persistent cough, which may produce a thick, yellowish mucus or phlegm. Children may vomit during coughing spells. Other symptoms may include a sore throat, runny nose, fever and general lethargy. A child may also sound wheezy when breathing, and the continuous cough may lead to pain in the muscles of the chest and the stomach. Symptoms may be worse in children who have asthma. Always seek medical help if a child coughs up any blood, if they have very rapid breathing or if they become particularly drowsy or difficult to wake.

Treatment
Most children with acute bronchitis will recover quickly at home. Because in most cases the infection has been caused by a virus, the GP may not prescribe antibiotics, which will only be effective against bacterial infections. Antibiotics may be given in certain cases, for example if a child has a weakened immune system or if they have an underlying health condition such as asthma. Over-the-counter cough medicines are not recommended for children under six, according to guidelines from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), however the GP may advise if necessary. It is important to give plenty of fluids and to raise the head and upper body when the child is resting or sleeping to help to ease congestion. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given, and honey for children over 12 months of age can temporarily help to ease coughs and sore throats. If a child with repeated bouts of bronchitis is living in a household where a member of the family smokes, they will be advised to give up the habit.

by Helena, mum to Amalia, Luca & Sofia

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