Symptoms
The most common symptoms of bronchitis in children include:
- Cough: A persistent cough is the most common symptom of bronchitis, and it can last for several weeks.
- Wheezing: Children with bronchitis may also have wheezing or whistling sounds when they breathe.
- Shortness of breath: Children with bronchitis may have difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity.
- Chest congestion: Children may have chest pain and tightness
- Fatigue: Children may feel tired and weak
- Fever: A low-grade fever may be present
- Loss of appetite
Causes
Bronchitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Viral or bacterial infections: The most common cause of bronchitis is a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu. Bacterial infections can also cause bronchitis, but this is less common.
- Environmental irritants: Exposure to environmental irritants, such as smoke, pollution, or chemicals, can cause bronchitis.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis, can increase the risk of developing bronchitis.