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In children, the most common cause of bronchitis is a virus, although in children over 6
years of age, it can be caused by bacteria. Acute bronchitis is usually a mild condition.
Acute bronchitis may follow the common cold or other viral infections in the upper
respiratory tract. It may also occur in children with chronic sinusitis, allergies, or those
with enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Pneumonia is a complication that can follow
bronchitis.
Antibiotics overuse
Antibiotic overuse in
children has become a
common problem,
What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis? The aggravated by parental
following are the most common symptoms for acute pressure for the
bronchitis. However, each child may experience symptoms medication, according to
differently. Symptoms may include: the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP). In 1980,
• Runny nose, usually before a cough starts. 4.2 million prescriptions
• Malaise (an overall body discomfort or not feeling were written for
well). amoxicillin, an oral
• Chills. antibiotic to treat ear
• Slight fever. infections. In 1992, the
• Back and muscle pain. number of prescriptions
• Sore throat. had grown to 12.3 million
(194 percent increase). Use
In the earlier stages of the condition, children may of another antibiotic to
experience a dry, non-productive cough which progresses treat ear infections,
later to an abundant mucus-filled cough. Younger children cephalosporins, increased
may have some vomiting or gagging with the cough. The from 876,000 prescriptions
symptoms of bronchitis usually last seven to 14 days, but in 1980 to 6.8 million in
may also persist for three to four weeks. 1992 (a 687 percent
increase).
The symptoms of acute bronchitis may resemble other
conditions or medical problems. Consult your child's Overuse of antibiotics is
physician for a diagnosis. leading to strains of
diseases that are becoming
resistant to the medication,
making it harder to treat
How is acute bronchitis diagnosed?
patients. All too often,
antibiotics have been
Bronchitis is usually diagnosed solely on the history and
prescribed for conditions
physical examination of the child. Many tests may be
such as colds, fluid in the
ordered to rule out other diseases, such as pneumonia or
middle ear, or bronchitis,
asthma. In addition, the following tests may be ordered to
which do not respond to
help confirm diagnosis:
antibiotics, according to the
Centers for Disease
• Chest x-rays - a diagnostic test which uses invisible
Control and Prevention
electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of
(CDC). Antibiotics are
internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
only effective in treating
• Blood tests. bacterial infections.
• Lung tests.
In many cases, antibiotic treatment is not necessary to treat acute bronchitis, since most
of the infections are caused by viruses. Even children who have been coughing for longer
than eight to 10 days usually do not need antibiotics. Most of the treatment is supportive
of the symptoms your child may have, and may include:
Antihistamines should be avoided, in most cases, because they dry up the secretions and
can make the cough worse.
"Goodbye To You"
[Chorus]
[Chorus x2]
Girl you could have stayed but you wouldn't give me a chance
With you not around it's a little bit more than I can stand
And all my tears they keep runnin' down my face
Why did you turn away?
Girl you could have stayed but you wouldn't give me a chance
With you not around it's a little bit more than I can stand
And all my tears they keep runnin' down my face
Why did you turn away?