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Moreover, at a younger age, obstructive bronchitis in children is more severe than in adults. This is due to a number of reasons.
| The bronchi are short and narrow, which makes it easier for infection to enter and makes it difficult to expel mucus and sputum | Respiratory muscles are weaker – this makes it difficult to cough up sputum |
| The child’s immune system is still quite weak | Inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsils and adenoids occurs more often |
Types of obstructive bronchitis in children
Bronchitis is divided into several varieties. Depending on the duration of the disease, it can be acute and chronic. And with the development of repeated cases of bronchitis (relapses) within a few months after an acute one – recurrent.
By the nature of the disease, bronchitis can be:
- Catarrhal – the mildest form of bronchitis;
- Obstructive, in this case, there is a blockage (obstruction) of the lumen of the bronchi with mucus and sputum, which is separated in large quantities. Blockage of the bronchi is dangerous for the development of respiratory failure and oxygen starvation, which is especially dangerous in young children.
The inflammatory process can spread from the trachea to the bronchi. In this case, they speak of tracheobronchitis. Inflammation can also pass from the bronchi to the lungs and contribute to the development of bronchopneumonia.
Bronchitis rarely develops on its own and is often a complication of SARS, influenza and other viral diseases. In this case, viruses are the cause of bronchitis.
Bacterial bronchitis is much less common. Such bronchitis is more severe, especially in children, and is accompanied by the separation of purulent sputum. The bacteria most often affecting the bronchi include staphylococci, streptococci, chlamydia, pneumococci, mycoplasmas, etc.
Allergic
When exposed to various allergens (house dust, plant pollen, drugs) on the bronchial mucosa, allergic bronchitis develops. Only an allergist can distinguish allergic bronchitis from viral bronchitis. At the same time, it is important to determine the allergen that caused the development of bronchitis in order to eliminate its effect on the child as soon as possible. For the treatment of allergic bronchitis, antihistamines and bronchial dilators are most effective.
recurrent
With the development of repeated episodes of bronchitis, the disease becomes relapsing. This form of the disease is characterized by the frequency of the disease at least 3-4 times a year for at least 2 weeks, in some cases up to 1 month.
Symptoms of obstructive bronchitis in children
Obstructive bronchitis is characterized primarily by a cough – dry at the beginning, then turning into a productive one with the separation of purulent-mucous sputum. Acute bronchitis is usually accompanied by an increase in temperature up to 38 ° C. Symptoms of bronchitis that indicate intoxication include:
- Headache;
- General weakness;
- Nausea.
Dry wheezing over the surface of the chest may also indicate bronchitis. Obstructive bronchitis is characterized by pallor, frequent breathing – up to 40-50 breaths per minute.
Treatment of obstructive bronchitis in children
Treatment of obstructive bronchitis should be aimed at eliminating the factor that caused the disease. With viral bronchitis, antiviral drugs are prescribed (Tamiflu, Arbidol, Ingavirin), with bacterial bronchitis, antibiotics. It is also important to eliminate the symptoms of the disease that cause discomfort in the child. When the temperature rises above 38 ° C, the child is given antipyretics (paracetamol).
To liquefy and facilitate sputum separation, mucolytic and expectorant drugs are prescribed, such as (ACC, Lazolvan, Ambrohexal). In children under two years of age, mucolytic drugs should be given with caution because they can produce large amounts of sputum that a small child cannot cough up.
For severe coughs, antitussives containing codeine may be prescribed. These remedies are usually indicated for severe dry cough. Antitussives are usually not prescribed when sputum is being separated, as they can interfere with its separation.
To eliminate bronchospasm, bronchodilators (Berotek, Atrovent) may be prescribed. These drugs will expand the bronchi and make it easier for the baby to breathe.
Can antibiotics be taken
The appointment of antibiotics is possible only if the bacterial origin of bronchitis is confirmed. The necessary antibiotic will help you choose only a doctor. Self-administration of antibiotics is contraindicated.
Home recovery
With bronchitis, as well as during the recovery period after the recovery of the child, drinking plenty of water is indicated, since the child’s body loses a lot of fluid, which is excreted with sweat and sputum.
During the recovery period, doctors recommend special breathing exercises with balloon inflation, physiotherapy (UHF, electrophoresis, etc.). Therapeutic exercises can be used to improve the general condition of the child’s body.
Inhalations – a folk remedy
During the rehabilitation period, inhalations with a nebulizer with herbal decoctions are usually prescribed, but previously popular steam inhalations are not recommended. However, it should be borne in mind that some of the plants can cause allergies in your child, so the selection of herbal preparations is made by a doctor. With bronchitis, inhalations based on decoctions of calendula, plantain, licorice, coltsfoot are effective.
Prevention of obstructive bronchitis in children
For the prevention of obstructive bronchitis in children, it is important to strengthen the child’s immunity through regular hardening, walks in the fresh air, good nutrition, rich in vitamins. It is necessary to limit the presence of the child in a smoky room, treat acute respiratory viral infections in a timely manner, prevent hypothermia of the child’s body, that is, dress according to the weather. Indeed, very often bronchitis is a complication of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections.