The immune system in children is still not as strong as it is in adults. This situation makes children susceptible to disease. Bacteria and viruses will very easily enter the child’s body to attack them through anything. One disease that often occurs is bronchitis in children.
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation that occurs in the walls of the bronchial tubes (airways connecting the throat to the trachea) or the lungs. This wall will produce mucus which functions as a protector of organs and tissues in the respiratory system.
Bronchitis able to make it difficult for the child to inhale and exhale from the lungs. This makes the tissue irritated, so that a lot of mucus is produced. Bronchitis is divided into two types including the following:
- Acute Bronchitis, bronchitis lasts a short time only a few weeks. However, this type can cause severe symptoms. This type of bronchitis is often suffered by children.
- Chronic Bronchitis, bronchitis of this type lasts quite a long time. This disease can last up to several months or even years, and can also occur in mild to severe conditions. Chronic bronchitis is more common in adults. One of the most common causes is smoking.
What Causes Bronchitis in Children?
Acute bronchitis is a type that is often suffered by children. The cause is due to viruses, apart from viruses, it can also be caused by bacterial infections, allergies, irritation caused by cigarette smoke and pollution and dust.
When a child has flu, colds, sinusitis and sore throat caused by viruses, the virus is able to spread to the bronchial area. Viruses that then exist in the bronchial area will cause the airway to swell, become inflamed and blocked by the mucus.
The virus can be passed from person to person through secretions that come from sneezing and coughing. In addition, the virus can also be spread when a child touches the mouth, nose or from the respiratory fluids of an infected person.
What are the Symptoms of Bronchitis in Children?
Dry cough is the most common symptom often indicated by children suffering from acute bronchitis. This dry cough can develop into a cough with phlegm. Cough that occurs is caused by inflammation that occurs in the bronchial tubes. Apart from these symptoms, other symptoms that appear as follows.
- Before the child coughs, usually the nose will run
- The body will feel weak
- Unwell
- Headache
- Chills
- Mild to high fever
- Out of breath
- Pain in the chest area
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
Symptoms exhibited by each child may be different. These symptoms generally last from 7 days to 14 days, or even last up to four weeks.
How To Treat Bronchitis in Children?
If the child shows the symptoms as mentioned earlier, you should immediately take it to the doctor. The doctor will carry out further treatment, such as giving antibiotics. Antibiotics are given if the bronchitis is caused by bacteria. If bronchitis is caused by a virus, using antibiotics will not help improve the condition.
Meanwhile, there are a number of things you might be able to do as a way to reduce the symptoms of bronchitis that occur in children. Let’s see the points.
- Increase fluid intake for children. Lack of fluids in the child’s body will cause dehydration. This will make your throat dry and sore even more.
- Keep the child’s room moist. You can put a humidifier in the child’s room with the addition of a scent that your child likes.
- Enough sleep time for children
- Give the child fever relievers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol.
- Give the child nasal drops if necessary to help relieve nasal congestion.
- Avoid giving cough suppressants to children. Betuk that occurs is the body’s way of expelling mucus in the child’s respiratory tract. You should use honey to help relieve a child’s cough.
Prevent Before Bronchitis Occurs in Children!
Of course we already know that prevention is better than cure, right? Of course yes. We as parents must do several things that aim to reduce the risk of bronchitis in children. So what are the things we need to do, here is the summary.
- Clean and sterilize all children’s toys. Especially if there are family members who have the flu.
- Limit your child to contact with people who have the flu. Both family members and outsiders.
- Avoid drinking with one glass that is used at the same time. Children will love it if they drink in their parents’ glass. However, if one parent has the flu you should explain it to the child slowly.
- Avoid children from cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke can increase the risk of flu, acute bronchitis and even chronic bronchitis.
- Give the child the influenza vaccine. Influenza vaccine can protect children from the risk of contracting flu or bronchitis.
- Give breast milk regularly if the child is still breastfeeding. Children who are still breastfeeding are less likely to develop bronchitis.
- Ranjinlah wash your hands. By washing hands, we are able to avoid the risk of infection with the flu that causes bronchitis.
Natural Medicine for Children Flu Relief
In some cases, simple and natural remedies have been very effective. Flu in children can disappear. Here are some solutions for you as an option for dealing with flu in children.
Also Read: Tips for relieving cold pain in children and toddlers
Many drink
Flu that occurs in children, can cause dehydration. Especially if the child occurs vomiting and diarrhea. Instead, make sure your child gets enough fluid intake. You can provide mineral water, fruit juice or electrolyte drinks.
One sign that the child has received adequate fluid intake is seen from urine or urine. When the child pees, try to check if the urine is dark yellow or almost colorless. If the urine is almost colorless, it means that the child’s fluid intake is sufficient, and vice versa.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is needed to increase the child’s immune system so that it is stronger. You can give children fruits that contain lots of vitamin c.
Honey
The benefits of honey itself are very useful for boosting the immune system. Of course, it really helps the body to fight the flu faster. Children who regularly consume honey will have fewer colds. In addition, your chil
d’s sleep will be of higher quality if you drink honey regularly every day.
Ginger
The content contained in ginger is effective in preventing the entry of viruses into the respiratory tract. Ginger which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Ginger is also able to soothe the stomach and throat. You can make warm ginger tea for children.
Get enough rest
Enough rest time for children. If the child’s body is tired, viruses and bacteria will automatically enter easily. This makes children susceptible to disease. Maintain a child’s sleep pattern regularly. A regular sleep cycle can help your immune system work better.
Hope it is useful!
