Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the lung's air passages. It often follows a cold, comes on suddenly and usually does not last very long. The cause is usually a virus in children. There are no medicines that kill viruses. It generally will go away on its own in about a week. Bacteria, another kind of germ, can also cause bronchitis.

SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE: 

• Wheezing
• Cough - Dry at first then productive (coughing up mucous)
• Fever
• Difficult or uncomfortable breathing
• Gagging or vomiting because of the mucous
• Pressure or burning feeling in the chest

WHAT YOUR DOCTOR CAN DO:

• Diagnose acute bronchitis by asking about symptoms, doing a physical exam, and possibly ordering laboratory tests and x-rays.
• Prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection, if the bronchitis is caused by bacteria.
• Prescribe any of several medications to relieve symptoms.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• See your doctor if you think your child has a bacterial infection.
• Give all of the antibiotics, even after your child begins to feel better.
• Offer plenty of liquids, especially water and other clear liquids.
• Be sure your child gets plenty of rest.
• Keep cigarette smoke and other irritants away.
• Give an expectorant to help your child cough up the mucous.
• Give a cough suppressant only to help your child sleep.
• Use a humidifier to increase moisture in the air, especially in the bedroom.
• Send your child back to school only after resting well and the fever is gone.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

CALL 1061 OR SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE If mucous becomes very thick or discolored, if your child has difficulty breathing, or if your child is not better in one week.