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Acute Otitis Media | Pharyngitis / Tonsillitis | Urinary Tract Infection | Uncomplicated Gonorrhea | Bronchitis

Bronchitis
Frequently Asked Questions about Bronchitis

What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis refers to infection or inflammation of the smaller airways of the respiratory tract. The respiratory tract consists of the lungs and the airways. The airways are composed of larger tube-like structures such as the main wind-pipe (the trachea) and smaller tube-like structures called the bronchi. Although Bronchitis may refer to infection or inflammation of the bronchi, for the context of this discussion, Bronchitis refers to infection of the bronchi.

How does one catch Bronchitis?

Bronchitis usually occurs along with or after an episode of throat infection. A throat infection is caused by germs (bacteria or viruses) that enter through the nose or the mouth. These germs are usually spread in the air by other children or adults who have these conditions. Sometimes, germs that cause these infections are transferred from one person to another by sharing toys or other objects.

What are the risk factors for Bronchitis?

	Since these infections are usually caught from the air, close contact with another child or adult with these conditions may increase the risk.

	Crowded places such as schools or day-care centers are common grounds for spread of these infections.

	Exposure to passive smoking may also increase the risk of catching these conditions.
	If another child or adult in your house has these infections, spread may occur from sharing of toys and other objects.

What are the symptoms of Bronchitis?

In young children UTI may present as :
	Fever
	Coughing
	Difficulty breathing
	Difficulty feeding
	Malaise

How is Bronchitis diagnosed?

Bronchitis is usually diagnosed by your doctor by performing a physical exam of the chest. Your doctor may also order an X-ray to help in the diagnosis.

How can Bronchitis be treated?

Bronchitis may be caused by bacteria or viruses. Your doctor may be able to tell the likely cause of the infection. If the infection is caused by viruses, then your doctor may not prescribe an antibiotic. In this case, symptomatic treatment is required till the virus runs it's course (usually 3-5 days). Symptomatic treatment usually consists of over-the-counter medicines that relieve fever and pain. If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor. However, antibiotics do not treat fever and pain that may frequently be present with infections directly. For these symptoms it is important to use over-the-counter fever and pain medicines.

What are the complications of Bronchitis?

	Infection from the brocnchi may spread to the lungs and cause Pneumonia.
	The airways are narrow structures, especially in children. Even partial blockade of the airways during an infection may cause significant, or even life-threatening difficulty in breathing.


	If your child has “asthma”, an episode of Bronchitis may precipitate or worsen an attack of asthma.

How can I prevent Bronchitis from occurring in the future?

	Avoid prolonged contact with other children and adults who have these conditions. Also avoiding other crowded places such as day-care centers may help.

	Avoiding exposure to passive smoking may decrease the risk.
	During “Flu season” or if another child in your house has these infections, frequent hand washing may prevent transferring the infection to other individuals.