How to Teach Kids About Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages of the lungs. Symptoms include coughing, fever, nasal congestion, muscle aches and sore throat. It can be caused by an infection, the flu or any aggravation to the lungs. Children are at risk of bronchitis as they have a lot of contact with the flu during winter months as the virus spreads through schools. They are also more likely to not wear appropriate attire during winter months and play in the rain. It is helpful to educate your child about the causes and effects of getting bronchitis to minimize the chances of them getting it.

Instructions

Process

• 1

  Talk to your children about what getting sick means. Include explaining the symptoms of bronchitis so that they understand. Explain how it is caught and that it is more likely to happern during colder weather.

• 2

  Show them how to dress for cold weather. Explain the importance of wearing a sweater and shoes during colder months. Make sure they understand the importance of wearing a raincoat in the rain and keeping their hair dry by using a hood or umbrella.

• 3

  Teach them to wash their hands often and keep their fingers out of their mouth and off their face, in particular during winter months. This will assist in keeping them from catching the flu, which will often turn into bronchitis.

• 4

  Discourage them from having an excessive amount of contact with air pollutants such as chemical solvents, fumes, dust and smoke.

• 5

  Encourage healthy eating and an intake of plenty of water and vitamin C in order to keep their immune systems healthy and strong. Talk to them about what foods are healthy and which foods aren't and explain that eating the healthy foods will help to keep them from getting sick.

• 6

  Teach your child what to do if they do get bronchitis. Explain that getting rest and drinking plenty of water is the best cure although they may also need a cough suppressant and pain killer to ease with fever and muscle aches. A humidifier may also be a good idea if your child gets bronchitis.