Bronchitis in Children

If your child has been coughing, tired and maybe has complained of a feeling of soreness or tightness in their chest… then What’s Going Around may have hit home. Bronchitis is on the rise and it can be contagious. AdventHealth Centra Care doctors have seen an increase in children with bronchitis in the following areas of town:

• Brandon - up 100%

• Wesley Chapel - up 100%

Bronchitis is inflammation of the large air passages in the lungs. It occurs when the mucous lining in the airways becomes irritated and swollen. Symptoms of bronchitis include a dry cough that develops into a cough with mucus, wheezing, fatigue, chest tightness and a mild fever, sometimes with chills.

If you suspect your child has bronchitis, there are some things you can do at home help with symptoms:

Acute bronchitis is contagious so washing your hands and keeping them away from your face is an important step in prevention. Bronchitis often follows an upper respiratory infection. An annual seasonal flu shot is recommended because many cases of bronchitis are also a result a flu infection.

Just like colds, most cases of bronchitis can’t be treated by antibiotics, and it will usually go away in seven to 10 days with extra rest and fluids. Albuterol inhalation, either with a handheld device or nebulizer will help dilate the bronchial tubes. Short-term steroid therapy will help minimize inflammation within the bronchial tubes.

If your symptoms worsen, you have shortness of breath, or a fever that lasts more than four or five days, you should contact your physician or head to the closest Centra Care.

There for you with compassion and expertise when you need it most. Families have trusted Centra Care’s convenient locations, open 7 days a week, for more than 35 years. Walk in anytime or make a reservation online.