Health Library

Bronchitis in Children

What Are Signs and Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis?

Each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• runny nose, usually before a cough starts
• malaise (an overall body discomfort or not feeling well)
• chills
• slight fever
• back and muscle pain
• sore throat

In the earlier stages of the condition, children may have a dry, non-productive cough that progresses later to a mucus-filled cough. Younger children may have some vomiting or gagging with the cough. The symptoms of bronchitis usually last one to two weeks, but may also last up to a month.

The symptoms of acute bronchitis may look like other conditions or medical problems. Talk with your child's doctor for a diagnosis.

How is Acute Bronchitis Diagnosed?

Bronchitis is usually diagnosed after reviewing the child's medical history and doing a physical exam. Tests may be ordered to rule out other diseases, such as pneumonia or asthma. In addition, the following tests may be ordered to help confirm diagnosis:

• Chest X-ray
• Blood tests
• Pulse oximetry—an oximeter is a small machine that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. A small sensor (like a Band-Aid^®) is taped onto a finger or toe. When the machine is on, a small red light can be seen in the sensor. The sensor is painless and the red light does not get hot.
• Saliva or spit cultures
• Nose swabs

How is Acute Bronchitis Treated?

Your child's doctor will decide the treatment for acute bronchitis based on:

• Your child's age, overall health, and medical history
• The extent of the condition
• Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
• The expectations for the course of the condition
• Your opinion or preference

In many cases, antibiotic treatment is not needed to treat acute bronchitis, since most of the infections are caused by viruses. Even children who have been coughing for longer than eight to 10 days usually do not need antibiotics. Treatment for the symptoms may include:

• A pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (for fever and discomfort)
• Cough medicine
• Drinking more fluids
• A cool mist humidifier in the room (may be helpful)

Antihistamines (Benadryl^® / Zyrtec^®, etc.) should be avoided, in most cases, because they dry up the secretions and can make the cough worse.

Always consult your child's doctor for more information.