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Obstructive bronchitis is most common in children under the age of three. Associated with respiratory tract infection, mucus accumulates in the child's bronchi, the bronchial mucosa swells and the muscles may contract causing exhaling difficulties similar to an asthma attack. The severity of symptoms depends on the patient. Children usually outgrow the tendency to develop obstructive bronchitis as they become older.
Symptoms
- cough
- breathing sounds whistling or wheezing
- difficulty exhaling
Treatment
Bronchitis is caused by a virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics. In most cases, bronchitis will clear up by itself in 1 to 2 weeks. If the condition persists and the child is drowsy and has a high fever, a viral infection may have been followed by a bacterial infection which needs to be treated with antibiotics.
When to seek medical assistance
If your child experiences shortness of breath, seek medical assistance without delay. At the clinic, your child's condition will be relieved by administering drugs using a nebuliser to dilate the bronchi and reduce swelling. If frequent nebuliser doses are required, your child may be admitted to hospital for a couple of days.