Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs. In children it is most often caused by viruses and frequently appears following a common cold.

Symptoms

  • A cough that is dry at first and later becomes productive (with phlegm)
  • Wheezing and whistling in the chest
  • Mild fever, fatigue
  • Vomiting after coughing fits in young children

Bronchitis or Bronchiolitis?

In infants under two years of age, the condition affecting the small airways is called bronchiolitis, and its most common cause is the RSV virus. For details, see our article on RSV and bronchiolitis.

Treatment

Viral bronchitis does not require antibiotics; treatment is supportive: plenty of fluids, nasal cleaning, and a fever reducer if needed. If wheezing is prominent, bronchodilator therapy may be planned after examination. Cough suppressants are not recommended in young children — coughing is a protective reflex that helps clear phlegm.

Can Bronchitis Turn into Pneumonia?

Bronchitis does not directly "turn into" pneumonia; however, pneumonia can develop during the same period. Fever lasting longer than 3 days, rapid breathing, and a deterioration in general condition always require examination.

When to See a Doctor?

  • Retractions (in-drawing) between the ribs while breathing
  • Bluish discoloration around the lips
  • A cough lasting longer than 3 weeks
  • Recurring wheezing episodes each year (an allergic background should be investigated)

📅 Online appointment for your child: Uzm. Dr. Hasan Keleş — appointment page

Related articles: Allergic bronchitis · Asthma in children · Pneumonia

This article is for general information purposes only; it is not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment. For any concerns about your child's health, be sure to consult a pediatric health and diseases specialist.

Uzm. Dr. Hasan Keleş — Specialist in Pediatric Health and Diseases, Gaziantep