Bronchitis & Bronchiolitis

Acute Bronchitis - or also known as Wet lungs - is a medical disorder that occurs when the bronchial tract in the lungs submerged in water. Bronchial tract will then swell and produce mucus, which causes coughing.

This disease often occur after upper respiratory infections (ARI), such as colds. Most of the symptoms of acute bronchitis, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, etc. usually last up to 2 weeks, but the cough may persist for up to 8 weeks in some cases.

Chronic bronchitis can last in a long time and usually affects smokers. People suffering from bronchitis usually will continue to cough up phlegm for 3 months each year, for 2 consecutive years. If you or your family ever been diagnosed with this disease, then you should see a specialist for further review.

Type of other pulmonary infections that take place should be known by the parents is Bronchiolitis. Babies can be attacked by disease bronchiolitis (an infection caused by a virus) that could hinder windpipe so that needs to be treated.

Bronchitis Causes

1. Some types of viruses, including: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, Influenza and Parainfluenza
2. Bacteria, in rare cases
3. Pollutants (chemicals contained in the air)
   

Signs and Symptoms of Bronchitis

1. Coughing up phlegm (in the first days of cough may be dry)
2. Pain in chest
3. Fatigue
4. Mild headache
5. Sore-sore on the body
6. Fever
7. Watery eyes
8. Sore throat

Go to a Doctor if Your Child Has:

1. High Heat
2. Fever and cough with phlegm that is very thick or even contain blood
3. Chronic problems of the heart or lungs
4. Shortness of breath, or breathing shallowly
5. The symptoms of bronchitis on top of more than 3 weeks
6. Always contracted bronchitis / bronchiolitis

If you have a baby less than 3 months and hit a fever, it is wise to it checked by a doctor.

Later the doctor's you who will determine whether your child affected by acute bronchitis, chronic bronchiolitis, or perhaps the upper respiratory tract infection (ARI) others. After that appropriate treatment will be determined.

When are Antibiotics Needed?

For the case of bronchitis, antibiotics will be very rarely needed, because acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis is almost always caused by a virus. As for chronic bronchitis require more intensive therapy than the mere consumption of antibiotics.

However, if your child is diagnosed with other respiratory diseases such as pneumonia or Pertussis, maybe your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.

Antibiotics will not help for bronchitis caused by a virus or air pollution (such as cigarette smoke). Remember, taking antibiotics when not needed it will be very dangerous for your health and your family.

How to Prevent Acute Bronchitis?

1. Avoid smoking, especially sharing a cigarette with a lot of people
2. Keep your hand hygiene
3. Immunization

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis usually affects children under age 2 years, particularly infants aged 3-6 months. The main cause is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and sometimes can also be caused by
viruses such as adenovirus, influenza, and Parainfluenza.

This virus can move from one person to another, either through direct contact with nasal fluids, or through the polluted air. Although RSV will only cause minor disruption in adults, but not the baby you know!
The risk for bronchiolitis will be increased if there are following factors in infants:

1. Often being around smokers
2. Infant age less than 6 months
3. Living in a densely populated neighborhood
4. Less consumption of breast milk
5. Premature Birth

Symptoms of Bronchiolitis

1. Usually starts with upper respiratory infections (ARI) light
2. Within 2-3 days can be more severe cough accompanied by hissing
4. Baby's breath wheezing
5. The baby looks panicked and agitated
6. In severe cases, the baby will turn blue and this is an emergency situation
7. Baby's nostrils will look bigger each time took a deep breath
8. The muscles between the ribs will be drawn each time a breath

Therapy Can Help

1. Patted the baby's chest
2. Consumption of sufficient fluids, in addition to breast milk, for babies over 6 months you can give a warm lemon water or warm apple juice
3. Inhaling steam can help liquefy thick mucus that can cause your baby to choke. You can use the tool for this kind of humidifier
4. Get plenty of rest
5. Do not let anyone smoke near your baby
   

Usually these symptoms will be reduced within 1 week and difficulty breathing will be reduced within 3 days. Infant mortality from the disease less than 1%.

When would you recommend Contacting Medics?

Contact medical personnel if the affected infant bronchiolitis:

1. Wilt
2. Skin, nails, or lips turn blue
3. Breathing with frequent and short of breath
4. Exposed to a cold that suddenly worsens
5. Difficulty breathing
6. Nostrils dilated and her ribs are interested in every breathing muscles

Finally, the disease is actually relatively easily prevented, as long as you and your family keep your living environment hygiene ...