How to Treat Chronic Bronchitis in a Child

Bronchitis is an infection of the bronchial tubes, which causes inflammation of the mucus membranes. This is a lung condition so a child can have a persistent, loose cough and difficulty breathing. Bronchitis itself is caused more often by a viral infection than a bacterial infection; therefore, it does not respond to antibiotics. Chronic bronchitis can last for several months, and it is important to remove any allergens from the home that could be causing a reaction. If you suspect your child has bronchitis, then a trip to the pediatrician will confirm this, and treatment can begin.

Things You'll Need

• Ionizer
• Cough Expectorant Medicine (doctor prescribed only)
• Inhaler (doctor prescribed only)
• Humidifier(s)

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Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  See your child's pediatrician regularly after a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis. This respiratory disorder can last for as long as three months, so the doctor may even take an X-ray to monitor the condition of the lungs.

• 2

  Remove all possible allergens from the home because chronic bronchitis often is associated with asthma and allergies. This includes removing cigarette smoke from the house and regular dusting to keep the child's environment as clean as possible. An ionizer will also help clean the air and remove any allergens.

• 3

  Treat a severe and persistent cough with cough medicine. Coughing is the body's way of expelling any excess mucus, so an expectorant is more useful as this will help release the phlegm. A cough suppressant medicine may be used occasionally, if the cough is so bad the child is unable to sleep,.

• 4

  Use an inhaler if the pediatrician prescribes it to help with any breathing issues the child may be having, especially if the child is wheezing and short of breath. The inhaler will allow more oxygen to the lungs and improve the child's breathing.

• 5

  Keep the child's airways open. A humidifier helps keep the air moist and should be placed in the bedroom, as well as any rooms in which the child spends a large part of their day.

• 6

  Give the child a hot bath before bed. The steam helps relax breathing by opening the airways and will help the child sleep.

• 7

  Make sure there are plenty of pillows to prop the child up at bedtime. This will help with coughing, and it will help release the phlegm.

• 8

  Have your child drink plenty of fluids, preferably water. Avoid milk; dairy can increase production of mucus. Drinking lots of fluids will thin the mucus secretions. Children often lose their appetites with constant coughing, so encourage your child to eat soup for the calories and nutrition.