Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Bronchitis

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: June 2002
Last Revision Date: June 2002

• What is bronchitis?
• What causes it?
• Who can get it?
• What are the signs and symptoms?
• Is it contagious?
• How is it treated?
• How long does it last?
• Can it be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is bronchitis?

• Bronchitis is a respiratory illness.
• An infection causes an inflammation of the bronchial tubes. (The bronchial tubes connect the windpipe to the lungs.)
• Bronchitis can be either acute or chronic.
• Symptoms of acute bronchitis come on quickly and may be severe. The condition lasts no more than a few days to a few weeks.
• Chronic bronchitis lasts longer than acute bronchitis. It may last months or years.

What causes it?

• Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection but can also be caused by a bacterial infection.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as heartburn, can lead to bronchitis.
• The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking.

Who can get it?

• Anyone can get bronchitis. In fact, most people have bronchitis at least once in their lives.
• Bronchitis is common after having a cold.
• Most people with chronic bronchitis are smokers. People who are around second-hand smoke, such as children living with parents who smoke, are also at risk for getting chronic bronchitis.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• Bronchitis often starts with a dry cough.
• The cough may bring up mucus (thick white, yellow, or greenish fluid).
• Symptoms can also include headache, fever, chills, shortness of breath, soreness or tightness in the chest, and wheezing.
• A person with chronic bronchitis experiences most of these symptoms for many days. Breathing may be very difficult for them.
• People with asthma and bronchitis are more likely to experience chest tightness and shortness of breath.
• While a person has bronchitis, he is more likely to be infected by a second respiratory illness.

Is it contagious?

• Yes. Bronchitis is contagious.
• It can be spread by coughing, sneezing, and touching items an infected person has used.

How is it treated?

• Take your child to the doctor if he shows symptoms of bronchitis.
• The doctor will listen to his chest and may take x-rays.
• Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. Using antibiotics is not helpful.
• The best treatment is to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use an over-the-counter medicine to treat the pain and fever.
• Coughing helps bring up mucus and get rid of germs. Use a cough medicine that eases, but does not stop coughing. Ask your doctor.
• Using a humidifier may help relieve symptoms. Wash the humidifier each day.
• In some cases, the doctor will recommend using a medicine called a bronchodilator that makes breathing easier.
• People with chronic bronchitis should stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Avoid things that could make symptoms worse, such as air pollution and allergens.
• For more information on how smoking effects health and suggestions for quitting, read about smoking and tobacco.

How long does it last?

• Acute bronchitis lasts no more than a few days or a few weeks.
• Chronic bronchitis can last months or years.

Can it be prevented?

• To prevent the spread of germs, wash hands often.
• Do not smoke, stop smoking, and avoid second-hand smoke.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call your doctor if your child has symptoms of bronchitis.
• Call your doctor if symptoms of bronchitis last a long time.
• Call if your child is coughing up blood.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment or condition.

Quick Answers

• Bronchitis is a respiratory illness. It can be either an acute or chronic condition.
• Acute bronchitis is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Chronic bronchitis is often caused by smoking.
• Anyone can get bronchitis. It is a common illness. Smokers are at high risk for getting chronic bronchitis.
• Symptoms include a cough, wheezing, fever, and soreness in the chest.
• Bronchitis is contagious. It can be spread by direct or indirect contact.
• To treat bronchitis, doctors usually recommend rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and using an over-the-counter medication to ease coughing.
• Acute bronchitis lasts no more than a few weeks. Chronic bronchitis can last months or years.
• Wash hands often to avoid the spread of germs. Stop smoking and avoid smoke.
• Call your doctor if your child has symptoms of bronchitis or if you have questions or concerns.

References

• Chidekel A. and Dowshen S. Bronchitis. KidsHealth. 2001 September (cited 2002 April 8).
• MayoClinic. What is Bronchitis? 2001 September 14 (cited 2002 April 8).
• MEDLINEplus: Medical Encyclopedia. Bronchitis. 2000 February 9 (cited 2002 April 8).

See related Patient Topics Breathing Problems, Bronchitis, Infections, Lungs and Breathing, Respiratory Diseases--General or Symptoms and Manifestations.

See related Provider Topics Breathing Problems, Infections, Lungs and Breathing, Respiratory Diseases--General or Symptoms and Manifestations.

All contents copyright © 1992-2004 the Author(s) and The University of Iowa. All rights reserved.

http://www.vh.org/pediatric/patient/pediatrics/cqqa/bronchitis.html