Bronchitis This is one of the most common problems in the pediatrician’s office, especially in children under 4 years oldand during the winter months.
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And while it is true that an isolated episode of bronchitis is not an alarm, need to control the development and frequency of them, as it may be a chronic disease.
What is bronchitis?
Dr. Laura Valdesoiro, pediatrician specializing in pulmonology and member of the board of directors of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Pulmonology (SENP), explains that bronchitis:
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“This is an inflammation of the bronchi, due to which they narrow and do not allow air to pass through properly. This makes it much harder to breathe.”
And he specifies that in the first years of lifeMany children may suffer from isolated bronchitis, but one must be vigilant.
If you have recurrent bronchitis perhaps investigation or prophylactic treatment should be considered.
Causes of bronchitis
There are different types of bronchitis and various factors influencing the development of this disease.
As Dr. Valdesoiro pointed out, bronchitis has genetic basis very important, which indicates the predisposition of the child.
However, other reasons also play a role:
- environmental factors. smoking. When children are passive smokers, they are much more likely to develop bronchitis.
- infectious factors. Bronchitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria, such as the common cold or flu.
- allergic factors. Inflammation of the bronchi is caused by an allergic reaction, for example, to dust or pollen.
“Typically, the most common childhood trigger is viral infections”says the doctor.
bronchitis symptoms
bronchitis symptoms can be presented in various formsdepending on the age of the penyo.
when they are babieswe have less ability to compensate for respiratory distress, so we need to be more watch for warning signs.
In general, according to Dr. Laura Valdesoiro, the most common symptoms of bronchitis in children are:
- Cough
- wheezing (wheezing or noise in the chest when breathing)
- Labored breathing. This is due to accelerated breathing, nasal inflation, and compensatory mechanisms in an attempt to capture more oxygen. For example, you can see how the baby’s sternum sags.
- Fatigue. Because of breathing problems, they will be more tired.
- Loss of appetite or difficulty feeding babies.
- speech difficulties. In the most severe cases, air enters the lungs but does not go out, so they cannot speak.
- Heat. Bronchitis caused by infection usually causes fever and general malaise.
What is the treatment for bronchitis?
“Treatment will always depend on the severity of the crisis” Dr. Valdesoiro clarifies, although, as a rule:
- If it is isolated bronchitisThe most common treatment is inhaled bronchodilators.
- In cases of recurrent bronchitis or asthmaneed supportive or prophylactic treatment. That is, the child will take daily medication to reduce inflammation in the bronchi, in addition to treatment with bronchodilators to treat bronchitis when it occurs.
“The goal of asthma treatment and prevention is to ensure that the child has a normal life and development so that he can run, sing, laugh … so that he has no restrictions”insists Dr. Laura Valdesoiro.
How can we prevent bronchitis?
Since it is a viral infection isolated bronchitis is difficult to prevent. With this in mind, the doctor gives a number of tips:
- Avoid smoking areas. “This is the first preventable cause of bronchitis attacks. It is very important to avoid this at all costs.”
- take care of general health. Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
- Avoid respiratory viral infections whenever possible.especially in autumn and winter: hand washing and the use of masks if we have a cold
If we are faced with recurrent bronchitis, the best way to avoid a crisis is through preventive treatment prescribed by the pediatrician.
