How do you know if your child has bronchitis?
Coughing is the main symptom of bronchitis. Your child’s cough might sound dry, or it might produce mucus. Your child might also have a runny nose, sore throat or fever as well as a cough. And your child might be short of breath and have some wheezing.
Should I take my kid to the doctor for bronchitis?
Fevers, Difficulty Breathing, or Wheezing: When It’s Time to See a Doctor. Children should see a pediatrician if they have a wet cough lasting more than two or three weeks, or have ongoing fevers, daily congestion, difficulty breathing, or experience wheezing, Kopp says.
Will bronchitis go away on its own?
Most cases of acute bronchitis go away on their own in 7 to 10 days. You should call your doctor if: You continue to wheeze and cough for more than 2 weeks, especially at night when you lie down or when you are active. You continue to cough for more than 2 weeks and have a bad-tasting fluid come up into your mouth.
How long does bronchitis cough last?
Although there are several different types of bronchitis, the most common are acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis may also be called a chest cold. Most symptoms of acute bronchitis last for up to 2 weeks. The cough can last for up to 8 weeks in some people.
How do I know if my child has bronchitis?
Bronchitis in children occurs more often in the winter seasons and the symptoms exhibited by the child may include vomiting with coughing, problems with breathing, and tightness in the chest. The child may also complain of headaches.
What to do when your child has bronchitis?
A child with bronchitis should drink plenty of fluids. When the bronchial tubes are inflamed, mucus is produced and the individual experiences difficulty breathing. Bronchitis in toddlers may cause a sore throat. Steam from humidifiers can minimize coughing and help a child with bronchitis to sleep better.
How does bronchitis affect children?
Typically, chronic bronchitis is a condition that affects adults, since the disease is a long-term condition and is usually due to smoking. If children develop bronchitis, it is more likely the acute type. Children, however, can be strongly affected by secondhand smoke and other air pollutants, so exposing a child to these environmental factors can put them at higher risk for chronic bronchitis and other respiratory diseases in the long run.
How can I protect my children from bronchitis?
One of the best ways to protect children against bronchitis is to make sure that they wash their hands frequently. This is because most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by the same kind of contagious virus that causes the common cold, and frequent hand-washing can help prevent the spread of this kind of virus.