There are various factors that can cause bronchitis in children, ranging from exposure to cigarette smoke to infection. Mothers and Fathers need to be alert if your little one shows symptoms of bronchitis. Although it can heal on its own, in certain cases, bronchitis can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia.
Bronchitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes or tubes that connect the throat to the lungs. This disease can be acute or resolve within a few days or weeks, but it can also be chronic or persist for months or even years.
Bronchitis in children can cause several symptoms, such as cough, fever, weakness, lack of eating and drinking, wheezing or wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Bronchitis can be caused by many things. Parents need to know what causes bronchitis in children, so that this condition can be avoided.
What are the Causes of Bronchitis in Children?
The causes of bronchitis in each child are generally different. However, there are several things that often cause bronchitis in children, namely:
viral infection
Viral infections are the most common cause of bronchitis, in both children and adults. The types of viruses that often cause bronchitis in children are the influenza virus, Corona virus, and RSV.respiratory syncytial virus) which often triggers the emergence of ARI.
The virus can be spread through splashes of liquid that come out when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Children can catch the virus that causes bronchitis if they breathe air that contains these droplets or touch objects that have been contaminated with the virus.
Bacterial infection
Bronchitis in children can also be caused by a bacterial infection. One type of bacteria that can cause bronchitis in children is: Mycoplasma pneumoniae, namely bacteria that also cause pneumonia.
As with viruses, the spread of bacteria that cause bronchitis can also occur through contaminated air or objects. To treat bronchitis caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics.
Exposure to irritants
In addition to germs, inflammation of the bronchial tubes can also occur due to continuous exposure to irritants. Irritant substances that cause bronchitis can come from cigarette smoke, air pollution, dust, and chemical gases, such as room deodorizer or perfume.
Allergy
Allergies are also one of the causes of bronchitis in children. This cause tends to be more common in children who have a history of asthma. If it recurs frequently and is not well controlled, allergies can also make children develop chronic bronchitis.
Apart from the causes above, there are several factors that can make a child more at risk of suffering from bronchitis, namely:
- Under 5 years old
- Settling or living in the same house as an active smoker
- Have a history of allergies or asthma
- Suffering from immune system disorders
- Have a family member who suffers from bronchitis or lung disease
Symptoms of Bronchitis in Children to Watch Out for
Mothers and fathers are advised to immediately take their little one to the doctor if he experiences symptoms of bronchitis in children, especially if he has experienced severe symptoms of bronchitis, such as:
- Bleeding cough
- High fever that doesn't go away
- Heavy breathing or shortness of breath
- Cough that lasts for more than 3 weeks
- Insomnia
- Very weak because I don't want to eat and drink
To determine the right treatment, doctors need to find out the cause of bronchitis in children and evaluate their health condition thoroughly. This can be done through a physical examination and supporting examinations, such as blood tests, X-rays, pulmonary function tests, and sputum examinations.
After the child is confirmed to have bronchitis and the cause is known, the doctor can treat bronchitis in the child by giving medication, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
In general, bronchitis in children due to viral infection or irritation can indeed heal by itself in about 1-2 weeks, without special treatment.
However, Mom and Dad are still recommended to check your little one to the doctor, because bronchitis has the potential to get worse or persist for months or years. That way, your little one can get the right treatment from the doctor, according to the cause.
