Bronchitis is an aggravation of the large breathing tube (bronchi) in the lungs. The illness can be short term or long term. Acute bronchitis implies that the symptoms develop quickly and don’t last long. Most cases are mild. 1
The most common cause of acute bronchitis in children is a viral infection.
The main risk factors of acute bronchitis are:
Chronic sinusitis
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
- Exposure to secondhand smoke 1
The most common symptoms are: 2
- Dry or mucus-filled cough
- Vomiting or gagging
- Runny nose, often before a cough starts
- Chest congestion or pain
- An overall body discomfort or not feeling well
- Chills
- Slight fever
- Wheezing
- Sore throat
These symptoms often last 7 to 14 days.
Dr. Zeinab El Tahesh
Paediatrician