Content
Bronchitis corresponds to the inflammation of the bronchi, which are tube-shaped structures that take air to the lungs. This inflammation can usually be seen through symptoms such as constant dry cough or mucus, fever and excessive tiredness.
Bronchitis in the baby is usually the result of an infection by viruses or bacteria and should always be diagnosed by the pediatrician, who will recommend the best type of treatment, which usually includes the use of medicines to relieve symptoms, but which may also include the use of an antibiotic.
Main symptoms
Bronchitis in the baby can be identified from the appearance of some symptoms, such as:
- Persistent, dry or mucous cough;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Weakness;
- Tiredness and irritability;
- Malaise;
- Vomiting;
- Fever in some cases.
The diagnosis of bronchitis is made by the pediatrician through auscultation of the lungs, in which the doctor listens to the presence of noise in the lung.
What can cause bronchitis
Bronchitis in the baby most often happens due to a viral infection and, therefore, lasts a few weeks, being called acute bronchitis. However, bronchitis can also be considered chronic, when symptoms last for at least 3 months, and are usually caused by exposure to pollution, allergies or asthma, for example.
How the treatment is done
If the baby has symptoms of bronchitis, the most recommended is to take him to the pediatrician so that the correct diagnosis can be made and treatment started. It is important that the baby is at rest, rest as much as possible and stay well hydrated, as this makes recovery faster.
Usually the doctor does not recommend the use of antibiotics, especially since bronchitis tends to be caused by a virus. In most cases, only the use of Paracetamol is recommended, if the baby has a fever, a cough medicine, when the cough is dry, or medications in the form of spray or nebulizer, if there is wheezing in the chest.
As for mucus production, the doctor generally does not recommend any type of medicine, as it is important for the baby to release the mucus that is obstructing the respiratory system.
In addition to keeping the baby hydrated, fed and at rest, it is interesting to keep the baby's head and back slightly higher when lying down, as it makes breathing a little easier.