Treating Bronchitis in Infants
Understanding the causes and symptoms of bronchitis in infants may help prevent the condition from reaching dangerous levels. This condition is a common form of cold that spreads into the lungs, but can be extremely dangerous for infants with compromised immune systems.
Bronchitis is caused by viruses and bacteria that cause inflammation the bronchi of the lungs. The bronchi are the tiny tubes located inside of the lungs. They are responsible for transmitting air into the blood supply. Even the common virus that causes a cold can spread into these bronchi, causing bronchitis. Symptoms can be acute or become chronic. The symptoms of bronchitis include fever, a runny nose, difficulty breathing, coughing, pain in the chest and wheezing. In infants these symptoms may cause serious problems. Mucus is present as a result of the inflammation of the bronchi, and it is usually green or yellow in color. The bronchi in infants are incredibility small, and infections that cause mucus to build up can interfere with normal breathing. Anytime a very young child has difficulties with breathing, violent coughing or squeaky noises can be heard when the infant is breathing, it is wise seek immediate medical help. This condition can fatal for very young infants. Caretakers of infants should always monitor the breathing of the baby at all times. The appropriate breathing rate for infants younger than 12 months is about 40-60 breaths a minute. Anything less than 40 breaths a minute, or breathing that appears to be shallow should warrant an emergency trip to a doctor.
Bronchitis in infants must be treated as soon as possible and with infant specific care. Bronchitis can lead to death, as well as pre-maturity, asthma, immune system problems and may affect the baby’s heart and lungs. A proper diagnosis will involve a physical exam, taking a detail medical history, a pulsoximeter and a chest x-ray. Serious cases or cases involving bacterial infections of the lungs may require that the infant be treated in the hospital. For less severe cases home remedies can be used.
When developing a treatment program for bronchitis in infants it is vital that you prevent the baby from becoming dehydrated. Breast feeding or bottle feeding should continue normally, although getting the baby to feed may be difficult. Use a dehumidifier or mister to fill the room where the infant sleeps with enough moisture. This will help with the mucus buildup. There are also nasal drops and saline solutions available to break up mucus. Other medications may include expectorants and fever reducers. Antibiotics may be prescribed if bacteria are the cause of the infection. Keep a close eye on the infant for signs of the symptoms getting worse, such as increased fever, shallow breathing, a bluish discoloration or flaring nostrils. These symptoms should require medical attention immediately. Acute cases can usually be cured in a few days, but chronic cases can last years. Chronic cases of bronchitis can lead to asthma and raise the risk level for the child developing other serious conditions such as pneumonia.
Prevent the spread of colds and flu by maintaining proper hygiene and keeping babies away from people showing any signs of sickness. Mothers should receive flu shots to prevent transmitting illness to the infant. Risk factors also include pollution or lower air quality, infants with immune system problems and infants fed formula over breast milk. It is important to be especially careful with infants with compromised immune systems, or those with chronic bronchitis symptoms. Avoid smoking near infants and children and monitor the quality of the surrounding air for higher pollution levels. Male children are at a higher risk than female infants. It is important for any caregiver or mother to be aware of how quickly a runny nose and cough can turn into an upper respiratory infection that can lead to bronchitis and the need for immediate treatments to avoid the worse possible outcome.