Acute Bronchitis in Children

Overview

Acute bronchitis in children is acute inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, usually caused by viral or bacterial infection and often secondary to an upper respiratory infection. It presents mainly with cough, sputum, and fever, with dry and moist rales heard in the lungs, and generally has a good prognosis.

Symptoms

• Cough
• Sputum production
• Fever
• Rapid breathing
• Rattling of phlegm in the throat

Treatment

Treatment is mainly symptomatic and supportive, with rest and warmth; use expectorants and cough medicine as directed, and antibiotics for bacterial infection.

Dietary advice

Drink plenty of warm water, eat bland and easily digestible foods, and avoid raw, cold, greasy, and overly sweet foods.