Symptoms of bronchitis in children

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on May 23, 2025
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Bronchitis tends to manifest suddenly and with typical symptoms in children compared to adults. In cases of acute bronchitis, it can lead to fever, chills, and fatigue. Typical respiratory symptoms include coughing, expectoration, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases may also show signs of oxygen deprivation such as cyanosis of the lips and changes in nail color; additionally, scattered dry rales can be heard in the lungs, and when there is more sputum, wet rales can be heard at the base of the lungs. It is necessary to promptly choose penicillin-type antibiotics to control the infection and use medications to dilute the sputum for symptomatic treatment. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific conditions.)

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
35sec home-news-image

Is bronchitis contagious?

Bronchitis is a common disease clinically, typically presenting symptoms such as coughing, expectorating phlegm, chest tightness, etc. Whether this disease is contagious or not depends on specific analysis. If bronchitis is caused by physical, chemical factors, or allergies, it is not contagious. However, if it is caused by pathogenic microorganisms, it could be contagious. For example, bronchitis caused by influenza virus or Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is infectious, and isolation should be considered.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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What to drink for bronchitis?

Patients with bronchitis can appropriately drink some plain boiled water, as it is the best beverage. It can promote the metabolism of the body and accelerate the circulation of the blood, effectively removing toxins and aiding in a quicker recovery from illness. Additionally, it is advisable to also drink some fruit and vegetable juices, which contain abundant vitamins. These vitamins can serve an antibacterial and germicidal role, greatly assisting in disease recovery. It is recommended that everyone ensures to rest adequately during illness, avoid excessive fatigue, maintain a relaxed mood, and not to be under too much stress. Patients suffering from bronchitis must ensure that their airways are clear to avoid coughing and expelling phlegm. Furthermore, one can also take cough and phlegm relieving medications under the guidance of a doctor to alleviate symptoms.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Is bronchitis serious?

Bronchitis is one of the common respiratory diseases, caused by microbes, physical and chemical irritants, or allergies, among other factors. It involves inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. Generally, this condition is not severe. After contracting bronchitis, patients often experience symptoms such as coughing and expectoration. Some patients may also experience fever, chest tightness, and other symptoms. However, in most cases, bronchitis can heal within two to three weeks. In a minority of cases, if it persists, it may develop into chronic bronchitis.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What should I do if my baby has bronchitis?

Bronchiolitis in babies is an inflammation, which may be caused by infections such as bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasma. The primary treatment is anti-infection, for which antibiotics like oral cephalosporins or penicillin can be chosen for the treatment. Additionally, treatment includes expectorants and cough suppressants, where one or two types of traditional Chinese or Western medicine can be used orally. If the coughing is frequent, nebulized inhalation can be administered to achieve local anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and cough suppressant effects. While treating, it's important to observe the effects and administer intravenous infusions if necessary.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of bronchitis in children

The symptoms of bronchitis in children mainly present as symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. At the onset of the disease, symptoms such as chills, cold fear, high fever along with a runny nose and sneezing will appear, followed by coughing, expectorating phlegm, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases may show signs of flaring nostrils, rapid breathing, and the three concave sign. Some patients may also experience symptoms like high fever leading to coma, so it is important to promptly use sensitive antimicrobial drugs and anti-inflammatory treatments, while also managing the fever to prevent febrile convulsions. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on the specific circumstances.)