Bronchitis in babies: symptoms, causes and treatment

Bronchitis in babies is the inflammation of the bronchi, which are structures responsible for transporting oxygen to and from the lungs, causing symptoms such as a constant dry cough or cough with mucus, fever and excessive tiredness.

Bronchitis in babies is usually the result of an infection with viruses or bacteria, however it can also be a consequence of asthma or exposure to dust or pollution.

In the presence of signs and symptoms possibly indicative of bronchitis in the baby, it is important that the pediatrician is consulted so that the best type of treatment can be recommended, which normally includes the use of medicines to alleviate symptoms, but which may also include the use of an antibiotic.

Symptoms of bronchitis in babies

The main symptoms of bronchitis in babies are:

• Persistent, dry or mucus-filled cough;
• Runny nose;
• Difficulty breathing;
• Weakness;
• Tiredness and irritability;
• General malaise and weakness;
• Vomiting;
• Chest pain;
• Fever, in some cases.

It is important to consult a pediatrician whenever symptoms of bronchitis appear in a baby, so that the diagnosis can be confirmed and the most appropriate treatment indicated. Check out other symptoms of bronchitis.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of bronchitis in babies is made by the pediatrician by evaluating the symptoms and listening to the lungs, in which the doctor listens for the presence of noises in the lungs.

In some cases, the doctor may also recommend a chest x-ray, oxygen measurement and sputum culture when bacterial infection is suspected.

Make an appointment with a pediatrician in the nearest region:

Possible causes

Bronchitis in babies most often occurs due to a viral infection and, therefore, lasts a few weeks and is called acute bronchitis.

However, bronchitis can also be considered chronic, when symptoms last at least 3 months, and are normally caused by exposure to pollution, allergies or asthma, for example.

How the treatment is carried out

If the baby presents symptoms of bronchitis, the most recommended thing is to take him to the pediatrician so that the correct diagnosis can be made and treatment can be started. It is important that the baby rests, rests as much as possible and stays well hydrated, as recovery happens more quickly.

Normally the doctor does not recommend the use of antibiotics, especially because bronchitis tends to be caused by a virus. In most cases, it is only recommended to use paracetamol and/or ibuprofen if the baby has a fever, cough medicine when the cough is dry or medicines in the form of a spray or nebulizer if there is wheezing.

Regarding mucus production, the doctor generally does not recommend any type of medication, 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 leave the baby’s head and back slightly higher when lying down, as this makes breathing a little easier.