6 measures to prevent the spread of bronchitis in children

SHOULD NOT BE CONFUSED WITH THE COMMON COLD

Bronchitis, a lung infection frequently seen in children and infants, begins with symptoms very similar to the common cold. The illness, which progresses with a runny nose, congestion, cough, and mild headache, can also be accompanied by a fever. Bronchitis, which occurs due to the inflammation of the respiratory tubes in the lungs, known as the bronchi, can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). In the case of acute bronchitis, symptoms usually develop quickly and the course of the illness is short. Simple precautions must be taken to prevent the transmission of the viruses that cause the illness. Specialist Dr. Ufuk Ertural provided information about acute bronchitis, which most affects children during seasonal transitions.

VIRUSES ARE THE CAUSE OF ACUTE BRONCHITIS

Acute bronchitis is mostly caused by a viral infection. At the same time, the presence of bacteria or dust, allergens, and heavy particles in the air worsens the course of the illness. The most important cause of acute bronchitis is viruses. Especially in children, the illness appears after a common cold or another viral infection in the nose, mouth, or throat (upper respiratory tract). Children can catch the virus as a result of close contact with another child who is ill.

BEWARE OF THOSE WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES!

The illness causes an increase in mucus production and other changes. In the case of acute bronchitis, symptoms usually develop quickly and the course of the illness is short. While most cases are mild, bronchitis can cause more severe conditions in children with chronic illnesses. Children at high risk of developing acute bronchitis can get sick more easily.
Children at higher risk of developing acute bronchitis are as follows;
“Exposure can trigger bronchitis in those with dust allergies. Children prone to chronic sinusitis are in the risk group. Children with asthma, in particular, have a high susceptibility to bronchitis.”

THE ILLNESS BEGINS WITH THESE SYMPTOMS

Acute bronchitis in children manifests itself with the following symptoms. The most common symptoms are;
“Vomiting or gagging, dry or phlegmy cough, runny nose appearing before the cough starts, chest congestion and pain, sore throat, fatigue, shivering, mild fever, back and muscle pain, wheezing.”
Symptoms usually last 7-14 days. The cough sometimes becomes chronic. A persistent cough can last for 3-4 weeks.

NO NEED TO USE ANTIBIOTICS

To determine whether children have acute bronchitis, other health problems such as pneumonia or asthma must be ruled out. Tests must be performed for this. During the treatment phase, it is carried out depending on the symptoms and the child's general health status. At this stage, antibiotics are not used in the treatment of acute bronchitis in children. This is because most infections are viral in origin. Even with cough symptoms lasting longer than 8-10 days, antibiotics are generally not needed. Unless there is a bacterial infection, the use of antibiotics is not recommended.

HOSPITALIZATION IS NECESSARY IF THERE IS A FEEDING PROBLEM

In treatment, medications containing paracetamol or ibuprofen (for those older than 6 months) should be used to help alleviate symptoms, and plenty of rest should be recommended. Fluid intake should be monitored, and adequate ambient humidity should be provided. Children who have difficulty feeding due to loss of appetite may need to be hospitalized. The vast majority of children who have acute bronchitis can recover without any problems. In a small percentage, the illness can turn into pneumonia.

THESE MEASURES PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THE ILLNESS

It is important to instill the habit of handwashing in children. They should be taught that they need to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. To prevent the spread of the illness, children's vaccinations should be up to date. Contact between sick children and other children should be prevented. Especially in schools and daycare centers, sick children should be given time off. Surfaces that sick children have touched should be cleaned or disinfected. In infants, breast milk reduces respiratory tract infections. Respiratory tract infections are seen less frequently in breastfed infants.