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Overview
Bronchitis is a serious illness, especially for babies. Because they are more susceptible to illness, they need quick medical attention if they come down with this illness. If the baby continues to develop bronchitis, he is at risk for lifelong problems with his respiratory system. If the illness is bacterial in origin, antibiotics can be given to help the baby get over his illness. However, if the bronchitis is viral, you can't do much more than try to make him more comfortable until he gets well.
Identification
Symptoms of bronchitis in an infant are similar to adult symptoms. Babies can develop bronchitis after having a cold or the flu--they will have a cough, probably dry at first, then becoming a productive cough. Be watchful for a fever, especially if the baby is very young. The baby will also be listless and not as active as usual. Although he won't be able to verbalize what he is feeling, he may have a tight, burning pain in his chest, along with wheezing and a hoarse voice.
Significance
Because a baby's respiratory passages are so much smaller than an adult's, it is imperative to take him to the doctor immediately when you notice symptoms. Bronchitis can lead to a chronic condition such as asthma, especially if he experiences repeated bouts with this illness. If the baby was born prematurely, a bout of respiratory syncytial virus can be cause for concern due to his lack of maturity and protective antibodies. Those who care for the baby, especially during cold and flu season, must wash their hands and avoid infecting the baby with airborne germs.
Effects
Babies who experience repeated attacks of bronchitis may have to be evaluated for causes other than exposure to illness. The doctor may run tests and see if there is a foreign object in the baby's lungs; he may also decide to test the baby for such illnesses as cystic fibrosis, allergies, sinusitis, adenoiditis or bronchiectasis, an condition in which the lungs are damaged, grow bigger and frequently harbor infections.
Time Frame
After a cold or the flu, a baby may be at higher risk of developing bronchitis. Normally, symptoms are limited to two weeks, which seems to be a long time for a baby to be sick. Although the symptoms of illness may have gone away and the baby is healthy, he may have a cough which could last up to four weeks. Bronchitis is more common in the fall and winter months, when people are closed up in their homes. The most you can do is make your baby feel better with infant acetaminophen and plenty of clear fluids.
Risk Factors
If the baby is sick with bronchitis and is not under medical care, he could develop pneumonia. This is a significant risk because the baby may not be able to cough up all of the phlegm in his lungs--if this happens, the environment in his lungs is ripe for the pneumonia bacteria to enter and set up an infection. Also,he could potentially be at risk of respiratory failure, especially if he is having trouble breathing.
